UN Transcripts — https://transcripts.un.org/en/ga/c1/80/4
First Committee, 4th plenary meeting - General Assembly, 80th session — First Committee — 10 October 2025
Language: en
Automatically generated transcript — may contain errors. Not an official United Nations record.

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1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [0:07]:

The first meeting of the Disarmament and International Security Committee first committee of the 80th session of the General assembly is called to order.

Distinguished delegates, the Committee will continue this morning with its general debate on all disarmament and international security agenda items allocated to it. Before I open the floor for statements, I would like to remind all delegations that the list of speakers for this phase of our work is closed in accordance with our program of work and timetable. I hope that all delegations intending to take the floor during the general debate were able to inscribe on the list before that deadline. The list of speakers for the thematic discussion are now open. I would further remind delegations that I do count on your cooperation to respect the time limit for statements and to speak at a reasonable speed to allow adequate interpretation.

Longer statements can be shared through e statements to be posted on the UN Journal. The first speaker on the list this morning is the distinguished is Her Excellency, Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva of Mongolia.


Mongolia · Permanent Representative to UNOG [1:31]:

Mr. Chair, Mongolia warmly congratulates your Ambassador Maurizio Massari on your assumption of the Chairmanship of the First Committee and commends the Bureau for its excellent preparation and regular update that set a constructive tone for our work. At the time of mounting global security challenges, the role of the First Committee and the need for strong multilateralism are more vital than ever. From the existential threat of nuclear weapons to emerging security risks, those challenges call for renewed resolve and collective action toward peace and disarmament. We continue to uphold the principle of disarmament, non proliferation and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

Reaffirming our unwavering support for the critical work of this Committee, we align ourselves with a statement delivered by Uganda on behalf of the Non Alignment Movement. Mongolia reaffirms its steadfast commitment to advance nuclear disarmament and uphold international peace and security. We remain devoted to the full and effective implementation of the Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, the Chemical Weapons Convention, the Biological Weapons Convention and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Driven by our shared aspiration for a world free of nuclear weapons and all weapons of mass the destruction, the Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons stands a cornerstone of the global nuclear non proliferation and disarmament regime. We therefore call upon all the state to take concrete and decisive steps toward our shared goal of ending nuclear proliferation and realize a world free of nuclear weapons is a nuclear weapon.

Free State State Mongolia has consistently championed the strengthening of nuclear disarmament in non proliferation regime. Our designation is a single state nuclear weapon free zone in Northeast Asia underscores our enduring commitment to regional stability and global security. We actively promote respect for and recognition of such zones which play a vital role in building confidence and preventing nuclear conflict. We are particularly concerned about the implication of the new and emerging technology in the military domain, including autonomous weapon system and cyber capabilities. Those development raise important questions about accountability, stability and the future of armor's control.

Mongolia supports efforts to develop international normalcy and frameworks that ensure responsible use and prevent escalation. We also recognize the continued impact of small arms and light weapons on regional and local conflicts. Mongolia supports the full implementation of the United Nations Program of Action and encouraging HAESIT cooperation to address illicit trafficking and improve transparency. Since the 1980s, Mongolia has sought to establish a dialogue mechanism for Northeast Asia, culminating the launch of the Ulaanbaatar Dialogue on Northeast Asian security in 2013 and the successful convenience for its international conference 2014. Guided by Mongolia's peaceful, open, independent and multipolar foreign policy, the conference has become a recognized platform for dialogue on regional security, confidence building and solutions.

In June this year, Mongolia successfully hosted the conference for the 10th consecutive year, bringing together over 240 scholars, researchers and delegates from more than 40 countries to foster dialogue and cooperation across the region and beyond. Mr. Chair, in January 2026, Mongolia assumed the presidency of the Conference on Disarmament coinciding with the NPT Review Conference. We approach this responsibility with seriousness and clear understanding of the challenge hate. Our intention is to foster constructive dialogue and encourage practically step toward revitalizing the disarmament agenda.

We will work to ensure that the Conference recognized by the United Nations General Assemblies tentis Special Session on Disarmament is the single Multilateral Negotiation Forum on Disarmament remains a relevant and inclusive platform able to address both long standing challenges and emerging threats. Mr. Chair, Mongolia remains committed to multilateralism and to the belief that security must be pursued collectively. We will continue to engage constructively in regional and global efforts to promote peace, reduce armament and build trust among nations. I thank you, Mr.

Chair.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [6:51]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Mongolia for her statement. I give now the floor to the Director of Department for Non Proliferation and Arms Control of the Ministry of Foreign affairs of the Russian Federation.


Russian Federation · Director, Dept. for Non-Proliferation and Arms Control (MFA) [7:07]:

Mr. Chairman, we'd like to congratulate once again congratulate you once again on your election. We trust that under your leadership this session of the First Committee will be successful and productive. The Russian delegation stands ready to provide you with its full support in this regard. This year we mark A historical date the 80th anniversary since the founding of the UN our global organization was established after the most devastating war in history as an instrument for ensuring international peace and security based on the principles of equality and sovereignty of states. It was the UN that laid the foundation for a system of multilateral agreements on arms control, disarmament and non proliferation.

A system in which the disarmament Triad, including the First Committee, plays a key role. We approach the 80th anniversary of the UN amidst a grave crisis in international security. Due to the destructive self centered actions taken by a group of Western states, the foundations of stability based on the principles of inclusivity and multilateralism have been seriously eroded. Relations among the five permanent members of the Security Council, who are also the Deyur nuclear weapons states and bear special responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, have seriously deteriorated. This has led to a rise in strategic risks and a threat of terror.

Direct military clashes between the nuclear P5 countries. Recently, the principle of non use of force or threat of force has been repeatedly violated. Israel's illegal use of force against the Palestinians and aggressive actions against Iran, Qatar, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq threatened to set off a conflagration across the entire Middle East. Despite significant adjustments in Washington's approach Under the new U.S. administration, provocations continue to emanate from Western states. Provocations that could lead to further escalation of the Ukrainian crisis while promoting the propaganda myth of a threat of a Russian attack on NATO member states in Europe.

It is in fact those states that continue to wage a proxy war against our country and remain obsessed with further expanding the North Atlantic bloc at the expense of Russian security. At the same time, the militarization of Europe is rapidly accelerating in addition to the already existing and highly threatening collective capabilities and plans of Western countries to gain overwhelming military superiority over any opponent. Under these circumstances, we are forced to take steps to mitigate threats to our national security through effective military and technical measures. In particular in response to programs to deploy intermediate range and shorter range ground based missile systems in Europe and the Asia Pacific missiles produced by the US and other Western states. Russia has announced its abandonment of previous unilateral self restrictions on the deployment of such weapons.

At the same time, we seek to keep a window of opportunity open for political and diplomatic steps to maintain predictability and restraint in the nuclear and missile Sphere. Thus, on September 22, the President of the Russian Federation unilaterally announced Russia's readiness to voluntarily continue adhering to the central quantitative limits of the new START treaty for at least one year after its expiration, provided that the United States does not violate the current balance of deterrence capabilities. This is our contribution to stabilizing relations among nuclear powers and creating conditions for constructive strategic dialogue. We are deeply concerned about the current state of the nuclear non proliferation regime and its key instrument the npt. The use of non proliferation rhetoric to pressure out of favor states whose sovereign policy and independent choices do not suit them and using this rhetoric to justify military aggression and intervention is gradually becoming a new norm.

This is unacceptable. A glaring example of this are the far fetched justifications for attacks on peaceful cities, civilians and nuclear energy infrastructure of Iran. Even though Iran is actively cooperating with the IAEA and is faithfully complying with its NPT obligations, Western colleagues are making politically motivated attempts to restrict access for out of favor states to civilian nuclear technologies, even though the right to those technologies is inalienable under the NPT. The outcome of the 2026 NPT Review Conference and the adoption of its final document will largely depend on whether States parties will be able to cast aside their unjustified political ambitions. The destructive actors of the west has caused divisions among state members of the opcw.

Politicization of its activities undermined the principle of consensus based decision making and compromise the independence of its technical secretariat. This causes irreparable damage to the work and reputation of the OPCW and undermines the foundations of the cwc. Another source of major concern is the military and biological activity of certain states outside their national territories conducted under the guise of cooperation for preventative or other peaceful purposes in contravention of the btc.

Today, efforts to universalize and strengthen the BTWC regime are more urgent than ever, particularly resuming work on a legally binding protocol with an effective verication mechanism. Another important task is to update the principles and procedures for the SG's mechanism for investigating alleged use of chemical and biological weapons. The prospects of preventing a full scale arms race in outer space are rapidly shrinking. Before the point of no return is reached, the international community must urgently begin developing an internationally legally binding instrument on preventing an arms race in outer space with guarantees against the placement of weapons of any kind in outer space or the use or threat of force. The Russian Federation is submitting draft resolutions to the First Committee on Further Practical Measures for PAROs, no first placement of weapons in out of space base and transparency and confidence building measures in outer space activities.

We hope for broad support and co sponsorship by delegations. Constructive engagement in non proliferation and disarmament are being hampered by Western attempts to promote their instruments under non proliferation record and using tools of export control to exert political, economic and technological pressure on states that are standing up for their sovereign independent policies. These violates the fundamental principles in the key conventions in this area regarding creating obstacles for cooperation to advance scientific and technical progress. The most significant achievement of the UN Open ended Working Group on security of and in the use of ICTs was the consensus to launch a permanent UN negotiation mechanism on ICTs after 2026. We trust that the decision to establish this new body will be endorsed by a relevant UNG draft resolution submitted by Singapore.

The Russian delegation is committed to promoting a unifying agenda, achieving mutually acceptable solution and is open to constructive engagement across the entire spectrum of issues related to international peace and security. Thank you.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [14:21]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation for his statement. Again now the floor to the senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of Arms Control and Non Proliferation of the United States.


United States of America · Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation [14:35]:

Thank you. Chair on behalf of the United States, I congratulate your Excellency Masari and other members of the Bureau on your election to lead this 80th session of the UN General Assembly. First Committee Chair President Trump has made clear that the United States will be a leading voice when it comes to international security. He has demonstrated in the nine months he has been in office that he will spare no effort to engage with leaders around the world to secure peace. The President has consistently stated that nuclear weapons are the single greatest threat to this world, and on September 23rd in these halls, he called on every nation to join the United States in ending once and for all the development of biological weapons, reflecting the United States commitment to eliminate biological weapons since 1969, when we unilaterally renounced our historical program.

Under his leadership, the United States also continues to prioritize the identification and verified destruction of any remaining elements of the Assad regime's chemical weapons program and to counter the development and use of chemical weapons worldwide. Additionally, the United States will seek the benefits of emerging technologies while mitigating risks, and we will seek to reduce the potential for dangerous escalation in ongoing or possible conflicts. The President also has made clear that the world is facing a resurgence in threats and we must adapt the existing international security architecture to meet them. In this vein, we need to see results. The United States and its citizens, like the citizens of all our countries, demand security at home and we cannot permit threats to the homeland to persist.

We need concrete means to address and defend against them. Chair we face a world today where China is pursuing at breakneck speed, the opaque buildup of its nuclear weapons arsenal with no insight into its intent or endpoint, we call on China to explain its actions to the world. Another nuclear weapons state is developing novel nuclear weapons capabilities and has made concerning changes to its nuclear doctrine, all while waging the largest land war in Europe since 1945. Meanwhile, Iran's relentless violations of its safeguards obligations threaten nuclear proliferation, not to mention nefarious cooperation with Russia through its ballistic missile and drone programs and the DPRK's advancement of its weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs relying on dual use goods from technology of China and Russia, in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions continues just as it aids Russia in its war against Ukraine. Many of these threats are directed towards the United States.

All of them threaten global peace and security. Let me be clear. It is not the United States or NATO that is creating this threat environment. It is the malign actors who are giving rise to instability, misperception and the potential for escalation and who are threatening our shared future. In this environment, the United States and its allies will strengthen our collective defense to establish the conditions under which real progress can be made.

Advancing peace through strength simultaneously in this 80th anniversary year of the United nations, it is time to reinvest efforts in a streamlined, efficient, fit for purpose arms control and disarmament architecture. It more effectively convenes member states to solve problems. Chair in this anniversary year we must become more efficient and take steps to rationalize and prioritize our work in the First Committee. We can and should reduce the number of resolutions and decrease costs in this the United States is leading by example. We will not introduce any resolutions of our own this year and we we will continue to request others introduce periodicity into many of the annual resolutions that have not substantially changed from year to year, including those that we have both supported and not supported in the past.

While we decided not to run our triennial compliance resolution this year, let me reiterate that compliance by Member states with non proliferation, arms control and disarmament agreements to which they are parties is essential for international peace, security and stability. The decision in no way attracts from our enduring commitment to promote treaty compliance and hold those who violate their obligations accountable to strengthen implementation of the global non proliferation regime with efficiency gains. The United States and other First Committee participants can address urgent global priorities in this challenging environment. Together we can drive real results. Chair Ahead of next year's non Proliferation Treaty Review Conference, the Trump administration has emphasized the need to recommit nuclear proliferation obligations, demonstrate transparency by all nuclear weapons states and engage in substantive risk reduction.

President Trump has made clear that the threat posed by nuclear weapons is far too great. He has reiterated that he is willing to engage in good faith negotiations with China and Russia to achieve meaningful progress and to prevent a nuclear arms race. The President has also reiterated that he is willing to engage in good faith negotiations with with Iranian leaders. Though Iran's refusal to conduct these direct talks and repeat rejections of our proposals have so far precluded meaningful progress on a diplomatic solution. He has urged us to consider the harm, reducing and transformative benefits of military applications of emerging technology while appropriately balancing the risks.

The President has encouraged countries to join a U S led AI Verification initiative to enhance enforcement of the Biological Weapons Convention. Because biological weapons have no place in this world, the United States has also called for behavior that are responsible in outer space to ensure it remains a domain for innovation, exploration and commercial activity we all can depend on free from weapons of mass destruction in perpetuity. Across this and other important work, the United States firmly believes that peace, security and prosperity are best achieved through strength and partnership. We are prepared to work with willing partners that share our commitment to delivering tangible results toward these goals and we will not hesitate to press for accountability for those who undermine our efforts.

The challenges we face in disarmament, non proliferation and international security are complex, but they are not insurmountable. If we all commit to addressing these challenges together, we can solve them. Thank you, Chair.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [21:10]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the United States. I give now the floor to His Excellency, Deputy Permanent Representative of Indonesia.


Indonesia · Deputy Permanent Representative [21:22]:

Thank you, Chair. And at the outset, allow me to congratulate you and other members of the Bureau on your election. Rest assured of Indonesia's full support. Indonesia aligns ourselves with the statements delivered on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement and on behalf of ASEAN. Mr.

Chair, this committee bears a name that reflects both a purpose and a promise. Disarmament and international security. Yet over time, we have devoted greater attention to the latter, often at the expense of the former. Without tangible progress on disarmament, the goal of international security will remain elusive. The erosion of arms control framework, coupled with the expansion and modernization of nuclear arsenals will only end in heightened tension, deepened mistrust and growing military rivalries.

We must not allow the disarmament machinery to remain in paralysis. Therefore, urgent actions must be taken first restoring the credibility of disarmament machinery. Progress in nuclear disarmament is long overdue. Greater transparency and sustained dialogue between nuclear weapon and non nuclear weapon states must be fostered While concrete steps to fulfill Article 6 of the NPT must also be taken, next year's NPT Review Conference should be our momentum to reaffirm our shared commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons. In this regard, we welcome the appointment of Ambassador Do Hung Phuat of Vietnam as the President Designate of the NPT Review Conference.

Rest assured of Indonesia's full support in our resolve for nuclear disarmament. Indonesia would also like to call all Member States to join the TPNW as a vital and complementary instrument to the npt. At the same time, the Conference of Disarmament must remain focused on its negotiating mandate, particularly on nuclear disarmament and negative security assurances which continue to generate broad support. Renewed efforts must also be taken to towards the entry into force of the ctbt, the accession of the Xian Fest Protocol by nuclear weapons States and the establishment of other nuclear weapons free zones where they do not exist, such as in the Middle east, as building blocks toward a world free of nuclear weapons. Second, translating commitments into Tangible progress the devastating toll on civilians in conflict situations underscore the need for to create progress in strengthening global control over conventional arms.

The use of explosive weapons in populated areas must be banned and illicit arms transfer must be prevented. It is time to follow up on the outcomes of the Refcon 4 of the program of Actions of the Small. Arms and Light Weapons and to prepare. Ourselves to achieve concrete results at the 2027 Meeting of States of the Global Framework for Ammunition. Third, ensuring that science and technology serve humanity for the greater good.

Artificial intelligence, autonomous system, hypersonic delivery and synthetic biology are reshaping warfare and international security. Therefore, we must govern emerging technologies and new domains in an inclusive and equitable manner by ensuring that effective human control remains central. Developing countries have a voice in norm setting and multilateral cooperation, not unilateral advantage, must guide innovation. On the other hand, strengthening the Working Group on Biological Weapons Convention is also crucial to ensure that scientific progress in biotechnology brings benefits for all and is never misused. Moreover, outer space must also remain a peaceful and secure domain for all.

We must create conditions conducive to constructive engagement towards a legally binding instrument prohibiting the placement of weapons in other space and the threat of use of force therein. In parallel, we must enhance transparency and confidence building measures and to promote equitable access to the space based technologies with the goal to safeguard the shared domain for for future generations. Mr. Chair, Indonesia stands ready to work constructively with all delegations in advancing the global disarmament agenda for a safer, more stable. And More secure world for all.

Let us ensure that disarmament remains at the heart of multilateralism as a cornerstone of international peace and security. Thank you.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [26:00]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Indonesia. And I give now the floor to His Excellency, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United nations office in Geneva.


Pakistan · Permanent Representative to UNOG [26:15]:

Thank you, Chair. I congratulate you and other members of the Bureau on your election and assure you of our full cooperation. We align ourselves with the statement of the Non Aligned Movement Respected Chair. We meet this year against a deeply troubling international security security backdrop. The global landscape is marked by rising instability, widening mistrust and a fraying commitment to the foundational principles of the UN Charter.

Policies of strategic dominance are in vogue. Relentless arm race continue with global military spending now at an unprecedented $2.7 trillion. Old conflicts linger, new ones erupt. All because violators of international law act with impunity. There is an increasing resort to the unilateral use of force.

This year alone, the world has seen multiple theaters of armed conflict expand with catastrophic humanitarian consequences. The war in Gaza has been a stain on the collective conscience of the international community. Pakistan welcomes the announcement of an agreement on the first phase and we hope this will lead to a permanent ceasefire and lasting peace. Closer to home, South Asia was once again brought to the brink. In May this year, India launched an unprovoked military assault against Pakistan, employing dual capable missiles, autonomous loitering munitions and fighter aircrafts in blatant violation of the UN Charter and international law.

Civilian homes, schools and places of worship were struck, killing innocent men, women and children. This marked the first ever use of such capabilities by one nuclear armed state against another. Pakistan was compelled to exercise its right to self defense under Article 51 of the charter. Our response was precise. Downing seven Indian aircrafts, forcing India to seek a ceasefire, facilitated by President Trump and supported by several other friendly countries.

Notwithstanding this humiliating defeat, the Indian leadership persists in describing these reckless actions as the new normal in South Asia, vowing to strike Pakistan again whenever it chooses on any pretext it can manufacture. Its political and military leaders speak openly, including just last week of changing geography and erasing Pakistan from the map, including indulging in the dangerous delusion that one nuclear armed state can simply wipe another off the face of the earth. Is this new abnormal acceptable in a region where two nuclear armed states live side by side? This Indian indignancy is dismissive of the international community's desire for peace, stability and risk reduction. India continues to evade bilateral dialogue on nuclear and missile restraint as well as on risk reduction measures, conduct unbecoming of a responsible custodian of nuclear weapons.

The last formal talks between Pakistan and India on nuclear and conventional confidence building measures were held more than a decade ago. Since then, emboldened by its perceived military and technological asymmetry, India has treated dialogue not as a responsibility, but as an instrument of coercion and leverage. Chair Last month the Prime Minister of Pakistan, speaking at the UN General assembly, stated, and I quote, we have won the war and now we seek to win the peace. It is time to move away from the politics of escalation and towards the imperatives of coexistence. Pakistan stands ready for a composite, comprehensive and result oriented dialogue with India on all outstanding issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

Our proposal on a strategic restraint regime in the region for avoidance of a mutually debilitating arms race also remains on the table. Chair at the global scale, we continue to witness modernization of nuclear arsenals, development of destabilizing technologies and weaponization of new domains. The arms control architecture is being systematically dismantled with now even the last remaining bilateral arms control agreement set to expire early next year. The major military powers resist arms control measures and instruments which require making compromises on their strategic advantages. They only back proposals that would cost them nothing.

The negative trends on the global security landscape have led to a continuing stalemate in the disarmament machinery. It is time to reaffirm our foundational vision enshrined in the SSOD. 1. Declaration A durable and equitable international peace and security architecture must emerge from the following 1. Universal and consistent application of the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, UN Security Council resolutions and and international law, especially recommitment to the principles of non use of force and peaceful resolution of disputes.

To promote this under our presidency in July 2025 the Security Council unanimously adopted Pakistan sponsored resolution 2788 on strengthening mechanisms for peaceful settlement of disputes 2. Implementation of the assurance in the SSOD 1 that every state has an equal right to secure security 3 faithful compliance with and fulfillment of arms control and disarmament obligations by respective states 4. Reinvigoration of conventional arms control at regional and sub regional levels, including establishment of zones of peace under the auspices of the UN and five Strengthening cooperative and inclusive multilateralism in pursuit of collective security and prioritizing the UN machinery over strategic alliances that serve the interests of a select few. Respected Chair in the Conference on Disarmament, Pakistan supports the immediate start of negotiations in the CD on a legally binding negative security assurances and a treaty on prohibition of the placement of weapons in outer space. The proposal for a treaty banning only the production of fissile materials seek to perpetuate existing asymmetries by excluding from its scope several metric tons of existing stocks that can produce thousands of new nuclear weapons.

Such proposals that are cost free for its proponents but disregard the legitimate security needs of others will remain an all starter. Artificial intelligence in military applications is no longer a distant concern. It is a present and urgent challenge without guardrails. AI risks accelerating decision making beyond human control, eroding accountability and destabilizing strategic stability for developing countries. The danger is exclusion from shaping norms and exposure to the consequences of an unregulated technological race.

Governance of military AI must therefore be anchored in the human grounded in equity and inclusivity. All relevant multilateral fora must play complementary roles within their respect effective mandates Chair Lastly, Pakistan will once again table its four resolutions in this committee to address regional and conventional arms control and disarmament and the provision of negative security assurances to non nuclear weapon States. We count on the support of Member States for their adoption. I thank you.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [33:30]:

I thank you. The distinguished Representative of Pakistan I give now the floor to the distinguished Representative Minister of Ghana.


Ghana · Minister [33:40]:

Mr. Chairman, let me warmly congratulate you on your election as Chair of this Committee and extend our appreciation to the other members of the Bureau. Ghana aligns with the statements of the Non Aligned Movement and African Group. Mr. Chairman, the Secretary General's report the Security we need warns of rising global military expenditures driven, driving a renewed arms race and straining national budgets. In 2024, military spending reached $2.7 trillion, a 9% increase over the previous year and the sharpest annual rise since the Cold War, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. This disturbing trend is mirrored most accurately in the nuclear domain, underscoring the need to keep up momentum across disarmament and non proliferation as we work towards a world free of nuclear weapons.

The NPT is central to this effort, but it is under serious strain because disarmament commitments from 199520002010 remained unfulfilled. As Chair of the TED Preparatory Committee for the 2026 Review Conference, Ghana witnessed first hand proved the challenges of reaching consensus and the opportunities that exist when states engage in dialogue grounded in trust and compromise. These principles must guide the lead up to the 2026 review conference if the the NPT is to retain its centrality in the global security framework. Ghana therefore urges nuclear weapons states to fulfill their obligations under Article 6 of the NPT and pass review conference commitments by taking concrete, transparent and verifiable steps towards eliminating their nuclear arsenals. Ongoing modernization of stockpiles of nuclear weapons, deterrence policies and deployment of same on foreign oil soil undermine trust in the NPT and fuel global instability pending the complete elimination of nuclear weapons.

Ghana emphasizes the vital role of instruments like the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons ratified by Ghana on 23rd September 2025. However, their impact is diminished when compliance weakens and nuclear doctrines shift towards lower doctrines. Mr. Chairman, the nuclear Weapon free zones such as the Treaty of Pelindaba are essential to strengthening the global norm against nuclear weapons and promoting regional international peace and security. Ghana fully supports all side zones and reaffirms its commitment to the establishment of a Middle east zone free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. We urge all stakeholders to remain actively engaged in advancing the 1995 resolution on the Middle east and ongoing General assembly mandated conference.

In addition, Ghana upholds the inalienable right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. We emphasize the vital role of the International Atomic Energy Agency in ensuring that nuclear science and technology are used safely, securely and under strict safeguards. Mr. Chairman, Ghana reaffirms its commitment to the absolute prohibitions contained in the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological Weapons Convention. These instruments remain vital pillars of the international system designed to prevent the re emergence of of weapons of mass destruction. Mr. Chairman, on the issue of conventional weapons, we must strengthen existing norms, close legal gaps and confront the challenges posed by emerging military technologies.

The proliferation of autonomous weapons system armed drones and incendiary devices raises serious humanitarian, ethical and legal concerns. Protecting civilians and upholding international humanitarian law must remain our priority. We urge full implementation and universal adherence to the Anti Personnel Mine Ban Convention and the Convention on Cluster Ammunition and the Arms Trade Treaty. Similarly, we also reaffirmed the value of the United Nations Program of Action and its International tracing instrument in combating the illicit flow of small arms. These tools are vital for preventing diversion and enhancing accountability.

We welcome the adoption of the global framework for tools life conventional ammunition management and look forward to continual collaboration ahead of the 2027 meeting of states. Ghana is deeply concerned by developments that threaten strategic stability, particularly the deployment of anti ballistic missile systems and the increasing risk of weaponizing outer space. These actions erode trust and undermine the global environment needed to advance disarmament and security. We also commend the successful conclusion of the Open ended Working Group on the Security of and in the Use of ICTS and the Consensus Adoption of its final report, A smooth transition to the Global mechanism is essential to ensure this inclusive platform continues to foster consensus based dialogue among all states. Likewise, as we address the security implications of artificial intelligence, we must ensure its development and use in military context remain fully aligned with with international law and the principles of human accountability.

In conclusion, Ghana reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to multilateralism as the most effective means to advance disarmament, strengthen international peace and security and promote the collective well being of humanity. We must remain guided by the humanitarian imperative to protect human life, uphold dignity and preserve our planet for future generations. I thank you.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [38:59]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Ghana. I give now the floor to Her Excellency, Ambassador of France to the Conference on Disarmament.


France · Ambassador to CD [39:12]:

Mr. Chairman, France would like to warmly congratulate you on your election. France would like to align itself with the statement of the European Union and would like to make the following additional comments on our national capacity this year. Once again, our discussion is taking place in a strategic and security context that has deteriorated strongly. We're approaching the end of the fourth year since Russia launched its war of aggression against Ukraine. It's up to Russia to comply with the UN Charter and put an end to its war of aggression.

France will continue to provide every possible support to a just and lasting peace, including credible security guarantees for Ukraine. In the Middle East, France hails the ceasefire agreement that should make it possible to release all remaining hostages, massive access to humanitarian assistance and an end to military operations. France thanks the United States, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey for their mediation efforts. We call on the parties to the conflict to immediately implement this agreement with which is the first step, an essential first step to put an end to the war in Gaza. The efforts should now focus on the day after through the deployment of an international stabilization force mandated by the Security Council, the disarmament of Hamas, the return of a reformed Palestinian Authority into the Strip, and the establishment of a credible political horizon for the creation of a Palestinian state in line with the principles of the New York Declaration adopted by 142 states.

Mr. Chairman, in the face of these worrisome trends, it is more important than ever to defend a robust security, non proliferation and disarmament architecture in 2026. The review conference will be an opportunity to state once again that the Non Proliferation Treaty is the cornerstone of this architecture. To reiterate our conviction that Iran should never acquire a nuclear weapon and condemn the grave violations by Iran of its commitments under the JCPOA which have led us, together with the E3 to trigger the snapback mechanism that restart reinstates the UN sanctions that were lifted in 2015. Iran must urgently resume full cooperation with the IAEA. Iran must demonstrate transparency with regard to its nuclear program and must authorize the return of IAEA inspectors to all nuclear facilities in the country.

France will continue with its diplomatic efforts, along with its E3 partners, to find a lasting negotiated solution to the Iranian nuclear crisis. It is precisely because the strategic context has deteriorated that we must advance multilateral norms and a framework to regulate the behavior in new areas of competition and conflict. In the face of obstruction. France calls for a sense of compromise to enable negotiations in the framework of the Biological Weapons Convention. The strengthening of this Convention is more urgent than ever, as well as negotiations within the group of government experts on lethal autonomous weapons systems that are progressing in a positive way to complete and fulfill their mandates in a context that increasingly worrisome.

I want to end with a few positive notes. The prospect of the destruction of the the complete destruction of the Syrian chemical stocks that have become possible thanks to the fall of the Bashar Al Assad regime, the establishment of the global mechanism of the UN for cybersecurity, the effective implementation of multiple technical instruments such as the one on small arms and light weapons, and the fact that the international community is taking seriously the issue of military artificial technologies. All these issues give us reasons for hope and to continue our efforts in the service of a multi effective multilateralism. Mr. Chairman, I'd like to take this opportunity to express the wish that this Committee take part in the deliberations underway on the initiative UN 80. The the first committee must, like all the other organizations affected by the liquidity crisis of the UN must reflect on the best way to optimize our resources and to have the most relevant actions possible with regard to the mandates that have been adopted.

France will continue to work on this together with other Member States. Thank.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [44:18]:

You. I thank the distinguished representative of France for his statement. Now the floor to His Excellency, Permanent Representative of Portugal.


Portugal · Permanent Representative [44:28]:

Thank you. Mr. President. Allow me to at the outset to congratulate you and the other members of the Bureau. Very happy to see you sharing this committee. And I know that the Committee is in good hands and you can count with full support of Portugal and the Portuguese delegation during this session.

Mr. Chair, we hope that it can be a fruitful session with consensual outcomes. And Portugal wishes to highlight three points. First, our attachment to global security through international law. When the UN was established 80 years ago, its main purpose was to make maintain international peace and security.

Apart from the peace operations mandated by the Security Council, one of the most effective means to achieve this goal was to invest in the agenda of non proliferation disarmament and arms control. Throughout the past eight decades, the UN has built a robust body of norms enshrined in a variety of treaties from the NPT and the CTBT in nuclear sphere, to conventions on chemical, biologic and conventional weapons, as well as other treaties on anti personnel mines, arms trade or outer space. This robust body of international law must be preserved and can even be strengthened, namely through the negotiations and adoption of new legally binding instruments in the areas of little autonomous weapons systems and of production of fissile material. Second, the focus of the international community should now turn to implementation. Soft law codes of conduct, exports control regimes or regional arrangements can help with these implementation efforts.

But the fundamental question lies in political will. Indeed, the intensification of armed conflicts, the increasing violations of international law, the growing proliferation crisis and the erosion of the disarmament architecture are fundamentally a result of lack of political will. Portugal is concerned about the trends we are all witnessing today. Indeed, the modernization of nuclear arsenals, the war in Ukraine and particularly the situation Zaporizhzhia power plant, the long standing proliferation crisis related to Iran or dprk, the increasing of of conventional weapons which fuel the conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, the SIL or the Great Lakes are a testament of the erosion of the non proliferation architecture. A word of full support and congratulations to the United States, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey for the successful and tireless efforts on mediation on Gaza and full support from Portugal.

At the same time, the scenario is made even more complex because weapons are not only becoming increasingly sophisticated, namely because of rapid advancements in technologies, including the progress in artificial intelligence, but they are also becoming more accessible, including to non state actors. Third, Portugal is ready to make concrete and tangible recommendations during the seven clusters of of this Committee to counter these worrying trends. We believe this Committee is the right venue to set differences apart, to overcome polarization and to invest in effective multilateral solutions which can help all states abide by their international law obligations. Allow me to underline very briefly five dimensions of our general recommendations. One, which we must start by strengthening the international normative framework, whether through legally binding or voluntary non binding measures.

2. We should ensure that the treaties that we adopt are universally ratified and when ratified, that they actually enter into force. 3. We must adapt to the multilateral system and specifically the disarmament machinery, making it more results oriented and more inclusive. In cluster seven we will offer practical recommendations on how to improve the effectiveness of the Conference on Disarmament.

4. The importance of regional efforts cannot be overstated. For example, the establishment of a nuclear weapon free zone in the Middle east is long overdue. 5. To be effective, disarmament cannot just be about intergovernmental negotiations or state policies, but the whole of society efforts which fully includes international and regional organizations, the private sector, academia and civil society.

In this context, disarmament education remains crucial. Mr. Chair, in concluding on this 80th anniversary of the UN, one year after the PACTA for the future and seven years after the Secretary General's disarmament agenda, all states must recommit to the global architecture for arms control, disarmament and non proliferation. Only then can we enhance our collective security system and make it fit for purpose. Only then can this security system effectively prevent, manage and counter conflicts and threats.

Portugal stands ready to support these efforts. I thank you, Mr. Chair.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [49:54]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Portugal Portugal and give now the floor to His Excellency, Permanent Representative of Burkina Faso.


Burkina Faso · Permanent Representative [50:06]:

Merci. Thank you, Chairman. The delegation of Burkina Faso congratulates you on your election as well as the members of the Bureau. I would like to reaffirm our readiness to fully cooperate to ensure the success of your mandate. Brief Burkina Faso aligns itself with a statement that will be made by the African group, the non aligned movement.

Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates, we meet in a context characterized by a profound global crisis. In this climate of uncertainty, Burkina Faso reaffirms its unshakable attachment to the UN Charter and to multilateralism, the only credible framework to promote international peace and security. For over a decade, my country has confronted an unprecedented security crisis. In the past, a haven of peace and stability.

Today, Burkina Faso is affected by persistent terrorist attacks. The amount and sophistication of weapons used by these terrorist leaders ask questions how can they acquire these modern weapons in such large quantities in the heart of the Sahel, which doesn't produce these weapons? This situation sheds light on the existence of transnational networks of trafficking and the inadequacies of international control mechanisms. Burkina FASA remains determined to defend its sovereignty and is aware that this combat cannot be conducted on one alone due to the trans border nature of terrorism. This is why we call for an international mobilization based on greater cooperation against terrorism and arms trafficking, including the systematic sharing of intelligence.

A strong support for the defense and security forces in the Sahel, a global approach that encompasses security, development and governance. Mr. Chairman, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons remains a major factor for destabilization on this point, Burkina Faso calls for the comprehensive implementation of the United Nations Program of Action and the universalization of the Treaty on Arms Trade and strengthening of technical cooperation to trace and control these flows of weapons. Furthermore, weapons of mass destruction continue to be a threat for humankind. We advocate for universalization of the Ottawa and Oslo Conventions, for a balanced implementation of the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty and for the universalization of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, in particular through the creation of Nuclear weapons free zones. Mr.

Chair, Chairman, Burkina Faso shares the concerns of the Non Aligned Movement in the face of the rapid increase of global military expenditures, in particular on nuclear arsenals and military use technologies. These enormous resources should be devoted to the vital needs of populations. For a country such as Burkina Faso, which is fighting terrorism while confronting the challenges of development and climate change. The government is working to find innovative resources to support its armed struggle against terrorism without compromising its development efforts so that our people do not lack schools, hospitals, infrastructure and the means of subsistence. We urge developed countries to support countries that are in a daily fight for the survival of their population against terrorism and to resist redirect a part of their military expenditures towards sustainable development.

Because true collective security requires investment in human beings rather than the in accumulation of weapons. Regarding artificial intelligence and autonomous weapon systems, Burkina Faso considers that human control must be a central feature. We call. We think that we should examine in a holistic and transparent and equitable way the ethical, legal and humanitarian implications of these technologies. With regret to cyberspace, we insist on the need to ensure the exclusively peaceful use of cyberspace and to prevent it becoming a field of confrontation.

Mr. Chairman, Burkina Faso strongly believes in multilateralism as a legitimate framework to take up these challenges. We call on revitalizing the Conference on Disarmament and ensuring an equitable geographical representation in the relevant organs and to convene a fourth extraordinary session of the General assembly devoted to disarmament. Lastly, the fight against terrorism remains our main priority and cannot be separated from global efforts for disarmament and peace. Our vision is clear to work for a world that is more secure and more equitable, based on the UN Charter and on the Sustainable Development Goals. With a common political will, we can transform these aspirations into reality.

Thank you very much.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [55:41]:

I thank the distinguished representative Burkina Faso. And I give now the floor to His Excellency, Permanent Representative of Cambodia.


Cambodia · Permanent Representative [55:52]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Excellency, distinguished delegate.

First, I wish to extend my warmest congratulations to you, Mr. Chair, on your election to preside over the general debate of the First Committee on Disarmament and international security. We are confident that under your able leadership the committee work will be fruitful. I also express my sincere appreciation to the ongoing Chair and Bureau members for their commendable Service during the 79 section. Cambodia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Malaysia on behalf of ASEAN and by Uganda on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement.

Now I allow me to take to make the following remark in my national capacity. Mr. Chair, as we all recognize, our world today faces a critical juncture. Increasing geopolitical rivalry, rapid technological progress, the weakening of armed control agreement and the upgrading of nuclear arsenal certain global security, the expanding militarization of outer space and cyberspace further into further implies this danger jeopardizing international stability and the fundamental principle of peace and humanity. On nuclear disarmament and weapon of Mass Destruction Cambodia fully support the Treaty on Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons which remain the foundation of the International Disarmament and Non Proliferation Regiment.

We call on all state parties to uphold the DTC mutually reinforcing pillar and to promote constructive dialogue leading up to the 2026 review conference. We hope this process will build trust and lead to the tangible progress, including through the renewal of the New START Treaty. In the meantime, Cameroon acknowledged the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons which represent a significant milestone in the long standing global aspiration for a world free of nuclear weapons. In this very Cambodian joint the call upon all states to sign and ratify this treaty and particularly Those listed in ANNEC 2 to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Band 30 CTBT which without delay the painful lesson of Hiroshima and Nagasaki remain an enduring reminder of the human drain caused consequences of nuclear weapon. They remind us that disarmament is not merely a political objective but a moral imperative for the survival of humankind.

Therefore, Cambodia position is clear. The development, possession and use of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons are prohibited under Article 54 of our Constitution. At the regional level we remain steadfast in our commitment to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone and we call on Nuclear Weapon State to sign its protocol and respect Southeast Asia aspiration to remain free from such weapons. On conventional weapons and mine action Cambodia Tragic history with landmine and explosive remnant of war has shaped our strong advocacy for humanitarian discernment. Through continuous national efforts and international cooperation we have successfully launched lower annual mine casualty from over 4,000 in the 1990s to a fewer than 100 today and clear more than 3.4 billion square meters of contaminated land.

For the safety and livelihood of our people, Cambodia remained fully committed to the Ottawa Treaty and continue to Play an active role in promoting south south cooperation in mine action. Today, more than 700 international de miner and mine action manager from Asia, Africa, Latin America has been trained in Cambodia demonstrating our commitment to solidarity acknowledge sharing amongst affected country. We are deeply honored to host the Fibri Conference of the Mine Bed Treaty in Simdev last year which concluded with the adoption of the SIMRIF Declaration. This declaration reaffirmed the collective result of the State party to accelerate mine clearance, strengthened victim assistance and to ensure that no one is left behind in our shared journey towards a much toward a mind free world. We also emphasize the urgent need for international cooperation to stop the illegal trade in small arms and light weapons which drive conflicts and instability around the world.

Cambodian advocates for the full implementation of the UN Program of Action and international tracing instrument on cyber security, AI and emerging technologies. Cambodia recognized the transformative potential of information and communication technologies in promoting sustainable development, dialogue and cooperation. However, their misuse through cyber attack and misinformation pose real challenges to international peace and security. We welcome the consensus adoption of the Funnel Report of the open ended Working Group 20212025 and the establishment of a global mechanism on ICT security. Cambodia stands ready to contribute constructively to this critical process.

The rise of autonomous weapon system and artificial intelligence in warfare raises complex technical and and legal issues. Cambodian state that deploying such technologies must fully adhere to the principle of the United Nations Charter, international humanitarian law and human rights laws. In conclusion, Cambodia strongly believed that disarmament and armed control are not just in themselves. More importantly, disarmament is only about eradicating weapon is not only about eradicating weapons. It is about building trust, reducing inequality and creating conditions for lasting peace and prosperity.

We believe that a world free of weapon of mass descent of mass destruction is also a world better equipped to create a more peaceful, stable, prosperous future for both current and future generations. I thank you, Mr. President.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [1:03:08]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Cambodia. I give the floor to the Director Disarmament Non Prolification Ministry of Foreign affairs of Iceland.


Iceland · Director, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (MFA) [1:03:21]:

Mr. Chair, Iceland refers to the statement already delivered on behalf of the Nordic countries. I will use this opportunity to make a few additional remarks in my national capacity.

Several countries have raised the corrosive effect that Russia's unjustified and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine has had on the international system, including the stability of the arms control and disarmament structures developed over decades. Russia, a permanent member of the Security Council has not only violated the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, but a variety of international obligations and norms, including the chemical Weapons convention through the use of riot control agents as a method of warfare, through endangering nuclear safety and security in Ukraine and threatening the use of nuclear force. Russia's war against Ukraine must end now, primarily for the sake of Ukrainians, but also for the sake of the integrity of our international system. The same can be said of the devastating war in Gaza. The scale of the humanitarian catastrophe and the fact that we have been witnessing what appears to be systematic ethnic cleansing reflects a failure of the international system and frankly, a disgrace for humanity.

Iceland has consistently condemned the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas in October 2023, demanded the release of all hostages and recognized Israel's right to defend itself. We have also expressed outrage at Israel's treatment of the Palestinian population in Gaza. Nothing can justify the mass killing of civilians, man made famine and forced displacement. Iceland commands the efforts of the United States, together with Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and others, to bring peace. We welcome the significant progress made in the last few days and express sincere hope that it will result in a permanent cessation of hostilities.

The next steps must lead to a process towards just and lasting peace based on the two state solution. Mr. Chair, Russia's unprovoked and illegal aggression has forced countries in Europe to strengthen their defense and deterrence and therefore vastly increase military and defence related expenditures. Iceland, a country with no military forces that has never engaged in hostilities, is not excluded. We would all prefer to use these resources differently to promote development and improve people's lives.

But Russia's hostile actions leave us no choice. Its war is ultimately to the detriment of stability and prosperity across the globe. The threats to peace and security that we are facing are interrelated and we all have a shared interest in upholding the global frameworks for arms control, disarmament and non proliferation. The viability of this architecture depends on full implementation and compliance. If those who violate international obligations are not held accountable, we risk an erosion of norms and commitments.

It is imperative that we cooperate in good faith to curb such trends and preserve the instruments that have served to keep us safer and more secure. Mr. Chair, Iceland reiterates its support for effective implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325 and subsequent resolutions on women, peace and security and for the mainstreaming of gender perspectives in disarmament. Fora despite the multiple challenges to global peace and security that have set the tone for our discussions, allow me to close on a hopeful note. The essence of our role as diplomats is to retain faith in the possibility of finding common solutions and overcoming what seem like insurmountable obstacles.

We can and we must work together to strengthen multilateralism and ensure that the United nations not only prevail but are fit for purpose. Iceland welcomes the UNAT initiative and supports efforts to make the organization's work more efficient and effective, including the work of the First Committee. We stress our commitment to protecting and upholding the global frameworks for arms control, disarmament and non proliferation. Thank you.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [1:07:59]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Iceland for her statement. Again now the floor to His Excellency, Permanent Representative of Estonia.


Estonia · Permanent Representative [1:08:11]:

Thank you. Chair. Allow me to congratulate you on assuming the chairmanship of 18th session of the first committee. I assure you of my delegation's full support and cooperation. Estonia aligns itself with a statement of the European Union.

In addition, I would like to make some remarks in my national capacity. The First Committee takes place in an international security environment marked by high tensions and serious proliferation crisis. The main threat to global peace and security continues to be Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. This war has brought immense human suffering, caused to destruction of civilian infrastructure and led to grave humanitarian consequences. Russia's actions are incompatible not only with the status and responsibilities of a permanent member of a Security Council, but also with those of any UN Member State.

The only viable way forward is to increase collective international pressure on Russia, to force them to just and lasting peace in Ukraine and to act in a way that is expected from a permanent member of a Security Council. Estonia condemns the involvement of Iran, the Dipercay and Belarus in Russia's aggression against Ukraine in a strongest possible manner. In addition, Russia has violated international law by seizing, militarizing and controlling Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe. Any damage, disruption to the plant's operations or attempt to connect and integrate the plant into the Russian power grid can have catastrophic and far reaching consequences. Endangering countless lives, contaminating vast areas with radiation and causing long term environmental, economic and humanitarian devastation well beyond Ukraine's borders.

As discussed during the Security Council emergency meeting on September 22, Russia's recent grave violations of Estonian, Polish and Romanian airspace face mark a serious escalation. It is a stark reminder that Russia's brinkmanship is reckless and its actions endanger the security of the entire region. The international community must stand united in demanding an end to such blatant violations to prevent further escalation and to safeguard international peace and security. Chair. The Treaty of the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons remains the cornerstone of a global regime for nuclear disarmament, non proliferation and peaceful uses of Nuclear energy Estonia deeply regrets that due to Russia's opposition, the 10th Review Conference on the NPT could not achieve consensus on an outcome document.

As we approach the 11th review conference, we call on all NPT State parties to work together to implement and strengthen the Treaty and enhance efforts to achieve its universalization. Estonia supports all international efforts towards the entry into force of a comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and urges all states, particularly the annexed two states, to sign and ratify the treaty. Estonia supports starting negotiations on the Fissile Material Cut Off Treaty and calls on the Nuclear Weapon States to declare or maintain moratoria on the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons and other nuclear explosive devices. We cannot discuss nuclear non proliferation without addressing the reckless, responsible and escalatory nuclear rhetoric, threats and signaling of Russia as well as its announced deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus in direct contradiction to its obligations under the NPT by threatening nuclear use, de ratifying the ctbt, violating the Budapest Memorandum, suspending its participation in the new start, lowering the threshold for nuclear use and undermining the norms that have underpinned nuclear restraint for decades. Russia has demonstrated its utter disregard for international non proliferation and disarmament regime.

We also call on China to join future arms control agreements and to immediately take measures to improve transparency on its nuclear weapons and doctrine, refrain from further buildup and to pursue risk reduction measures. We call on China to stop acting as a decisive enabler of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. By seizing all forms of material and political support to Russia's war efforts and acting in full support of a UN Charter and international law, China can demonstrate its responsible stance as a permanent member of UN Security Council Chair. Iran's continued lack of cooperation with International Atomic Energy Agency is deeply concerning and undermines confidence in the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. Iran must urgently and fully engage with International Atomic Energy Agency, ensure transparency and comply with its international obligations.

We call on Iran to reverse its alarming nuclear threat trajectory and return to its commitment in a field of nuclear non proliferation. We remind Iran that its support to Russia's aggression against Ukraine makes them complicit in war crimes committed in Ukraine. Estonia strongly condemns also the DPRK's continued development of its nuclear and ballistic missile programs which threaten international and regional peace and security, and the transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia which violates multiple UN Security Council resolutions and undermines npt. Russia has not been able to hide evidence of its growing dependence from large scale arms purchased from the DPRK and their growing military cooperation. We call on The DIP to return to compliance with NPT and its comprehensive Safeguards agreement with International Atomic Engineering Energy Agency and to sign and ratify an additional Protocol regarding Gaza.

Estonia welcomes the agreement on the first phase of President Trump's peace plan. At a time when the humanitarian situation is dire and political trust is at a low point, this new opportunity needs to be seized and momentum should be used to end violence, improve civilian lives and and revive a credible political process. We hope for a swift release of all hostages and end to hostilities. Lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians can only be achieved through a two state solution and Estonia supports international efforts to make this possible. To conclude, Estonia is determined to contribute to the global efforts to strengthen the international law and multilateralism with the UN at its core, including through implementation of existing disarmament, arms control and non proliferation instruments.

Thank you Chair.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [1:15:22]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Estonia for his statement. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sweden.


Sweden [1:15:32]:

Thank you Chairman. Let me join others and congratulate you on your appointments as Chair of the First Committee. You can count on the full support of my delegation. Sweden aligns itself with a statement by the European Union and a statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic countries. The following remarks are made in a national capacity.

Chair Most of us here in the room represent small or middle sized countries. A rules based international order firmly rooted in international law, including the UN Charter and respect for multilateralism is vital for us. But not only for us. The global challenges we face needs a collective response based on international law to ensure effective and credible solutions. These challenges include the issues at hand here in the First Committee.

Disarmament and international security. Well into the fourth year, Russia continues its illegal, unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression in Ukraine. Sweden condemns the aggression in the strongest possible terms and reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized by borders. Russia's actions are flagrant violations of international law, including the UN Charter. Credible reports point to Russian violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention in Ukraine, further underlining Russia's disrespect for international law.

Russia's attacks on civilians and civilian objects have intensified the last six months. They violate international humanitarian law and must stop. We urge Russia to immediately cease all military activity and withdraw its troops from the entire territory of Ukraine. Russia and its leadership must be held accountable for its war of aggression and for other crimes under international law. Sweden welcomes the announcement that a deal has been reached on the first stage of a peace plan plan for Gaza, including the release of hostages and withdrawal of troops.

The agreement must be accompanied by full humanitarian relief to Gaza, lead to a permanent ceasefire and full implementation of the plan. Paving the way for a two state solution remains the only viable way for Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace, freedom and democracy. Chairman Today's numerous geopolitical conflicts trigger security concerns for many countries, including my own. Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine fundamentally changed the security outlook for Sweden. The invasion demonstrated that Russia is ready and willing to resort to the use of military force and the threat of nuclear weapons use to pursue its political objectives.

As a consequence, after more than 200 years of military non alignment, Sweden joined NATO with broad parliamentary and popular support. NATO is about collective security at the expense of no other country. A defensive alliance. Chair the NPT remains the cornerstone of global disarmament and non proliferation efforts. Sweden will continue to promote the full implementation of all obligations, but the ADN architecture is under severe pressure.

Mistrust among states has increased and rhetoric has hardened. If we are to reach the ultimate goal, a world free of nuclear weapons, concrete progress is necessary. There is broad support among states parties for confidence building measures such as transparency and reporting on nuclear weapons. Next year's Review conference should deliver on this demand. Mutual confidence and positive momentum are to be gained.

In this spirit, Sweden works to advance progress in trans regional formats such as the Stockholm Initiative for Nuclear Disarmament and the Initiative to Reduce the Risk for Nuclear Conflict. At this moment we also want to underscore the urgency of a successor agreement to New Start. Such a successor agreement would benefit from including the three countries with the largest nuclear arms arsenals. Chair the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty remains for the international community to deliver on. As current co chairs of the Article 14 process, Sweden and the Philippines will push for its early entry into force.

The strong norm against testing created by the treaty and the international monitoring system are crucial assets that must be upheld. Sweden urges all remaining Annex 2 states to ratify the CTBT as well as other states that has not yet done so. Chair Sweden fully supports the principle that international cooperation on peaceful uses should be actively promoted. Export controls facilitate and assist such cooperation and transfer of dual use technologies. They enable countries to benefit and prosper even more at the same time as they contribute to the security of all states as they provide assurances that materials and goods end up at the intended user and not in the wrong hands.

Chair Sweden remains steadfast in its support of international efforts to Curb the indiscriminate use of conventional weapons, including the human, economic and social toll they bring. Sweden has made continuous contributions towards initiatives that prevent the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons. Sweden continues to support various states and other stakeholders in mine clearance, supporting victims and advocating for mine action. Chair Let me end with a cross cutting issue. Inclusiveness.

Opposition to gender equality is on the rise, including in matters of peace and security and disarmament. This is troublesome. All voices should be heard and respected. For us to be effective, we must also engage with younger generations and allow the participation of all relevant stakeholders, including civil society, industry and academia in our work. They all play indispensable roles.

Thank you, Chair.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [1:22:12]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Sweden. I give now the floor to the distinguished representative of Lichtenstein.


Liechtenstein [1:22:19]:

Thank you so much for the floor, Mr. Chair. Mr.

Chair. The continued increase in global military spending reflects a troubling shift as governments across all regions are increasingly directing substantial resources into defence budgets. The Secretary General's latest report on military expenditure proves that constantly increasing defence spending isn't working. A record high of 2.7 trillion USD in military spending last year did not bring us more security, but the contrary. This diverts critical resources for essential domestic needs, such as the strengthening of human rights or the achievement of the SDGs.

Unfortunately, global security continues to deteriorate. There is a growing emphasis on military preparedness in our part of the world. This is due to the aggression against Ukraine and the destruction of the European security architecture. We are appalled that the Russian Federation has repeatedly threatened to use its nuclear weapons. We are similarly concerned that the global race for nuclear weapons is at a record high.

It is worrisome that all nuclear powers are upgrading their arsenals contrary to relevant international treaties. In particular the npt. For over five decades the NPT has been essential in preventing nuclear proliferation. Unfortunately, its implementation gap constitutes a serious risk to the treaty's normative strengths and to a world free of nuclear weapons. We're also concerned about Iran's long standing nuclear program which exceeds any plausible civilian purpose.

We took note of Iran's non compliance with its obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and the reactivation of sanctions. Sanctions under the Snapback Mechanism Liechtenstein remains hopeful that diplomatic efforts will continue and lead to a renewed agreement. We firmly believe that dialogue remains the most effective path towards lasting solutions and the preservation of international peace and security. Mr. Chair, Liechtenstein is a signatory to the DPNW.

In accordance with the Vienna Convention on the Law of Trust Treaties, Liechtenstein is obliged to refrain from acts that would defeat to object and purpose of the tpnw. In so doing, Liechtenstein supports all efforts to a complete disarmament under strict and effective international control. Liechtenstein welcomes progress in disarmament efforts related to chemical and biological weapons which contribute meaningfully to peace and security. In this regard, Liechtenstein commenced the recent re engagement of zero Syria's new government with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and its commitment to prioritize the full destruction of remaining chemical weapons. This renewed cooperation is a commendable step toward restoring trust and upholding international norms.

We furthermore welcome initiatives to create a verification and compliance mechanism under the Biological Weapons Convention. We regret the withdrawals from the Anti Personnel Mine Bank Convention and the Convention on Cluster Munitions to key legal instruments for the protection of civilians in armed conflict. We recognize that these withdrawals are happening in response to a changing security environment, namely the ongoing aggression by the Russian Federation, especially in this time. Liechtenstein reiterates the the importance of adherence to international law and the protection of civilians. Armed conflicts are increasingly taking place in populated areas.

The organization of armed conflict and the use of weapons with high explosive force with the capability to affect large areas has resulted in devastating impacts on civilians, as we have witnessed at an alarming level in in Gaza, in Ukraine, in Sudan and in many other conflicts. Liechtenstein therefore calls upon states that have not yet done so to sign the Political Declaration on the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas and to fully and effectively implement it. The use of AI tools in warfare resulted in serious violations of international humanitarian law. We are concerned that AI is increasingly used to automate the process of targeting civilian harm resulting from the use of AI demonstrates the need to redouble our efforts to prohibit fully autonomous weapons in international law, in line with the call of the Secretary General. Life or death decisions must never be made without human control.

Ensuring meaningful human control over AI tools is the bare minimum standard for compliance with international humanitarian and international human rights law and the only way to ensure that accountability for violations is achievable. Malicious cyber operations, including those enabled by AI tools, can cause devastating harm to civilians. And yet there remains a troubling lack of clarity on how international criminal law applies to cyber warfare. While there is broad agreement that international law governs cyberspace, its practical application remains unsettled, especially in the context of accountability for cyber related atrocities. We therefore wish to draw your attention to the Council of Advisors Report on the Application of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court to Cyber Warfare, prepared by Lichtenstein.

This report contributes to a clearer understanding of how the Rome Statute applies in the cyber domain, which is essential not only for the Court's work, but also for guiding the Security Council in its mandate to refer situations in which violations of international criminal law have been committed. We welcome that the Office of the ICC Prosecutor has launched a public consultation with a view to adopting a policy paper on these issues. Mr. Chair, in concluding, we wish to express our support for the initiative by Singapore and South Africa to release information on the request for votes in this Committee, as has been the practice in all other Committees for a long time. I thank you.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [1:29:05]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Alexis Stein. I give now the floor to His Excellency, Permanent Representative of of Brazil.


Brazil · Permanent Representative [1:29:17]:

Mr. Chair, allow me to congratulate you and the members of the Bureau on your election. Rest assured of Brazil's cooperation throughout this session. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. Now is also time to reflect on the first and only use of atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and on the subsequent emergency of the nuclear taboo.

We must also acknowledge the many achievements of the disarmament and non proliferation regimes, while recognizing the mounting challenges we face throughout the 20th century. The United nations and its member states established a regime that kept nuclear proliferation in check and promoted oversight of strategic armaments and technologies. Strategic rivals were able to engage in dialogue and establish a certain level of confidence that prevented escalations. The disarmament machinery emerged from multilateralism and diplomacy, and the final document of the first special session on disarmament, SSOD 1 from 1978, still provides us with important guidance. Over the past decade at least, the fog of renewed strategic competition has placed this regime under unprecedented strain.

Policies that were once considered unacceptable, such as the resumption of explosive testing, the development of new deployment methods and the formation of new nuclear sharing arrangements, are now being treated as viable options. Long standing arms control commitments have been disregarded, undoing decades of progress. Progress and reviving the most destabilizing dynamics of the Cold War nuclear arms race. The unacceptable threat of use of nuclear weapons has become frequent and widespread. The latest report by the UN Secretary General on military spending paints a bleak picture in this regard.

In 2024, US$2.7 trillion were spent on militaries. This represents a 9% increase on the previous year and the outlook is disheartening. Accelerated militarization is fueling an arms race, while crucial resources are being diverted from sustainable development. It is time to set our priorities straight. Mr.

Chair. This year's first committee provides an opportunity to facilitate high quality discussions on topics such as advancing nuclear disarmament verification, promoting the responsible use of new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence in the military domain, protecting outer space from an arms race and curbing the illicit transfer of small arms and light weapons. Brazil is ready to engage constructively with all delegations on their proposals and we also hope to have positive discussions about ours. Brazil will present two draft resolutions this year. The first, jointly with Norway, concerns the establishment of a group of scientific and technical experts on nuclear disarmament verification.

This proposal is based on numerous previous resolutions, reports from groups of governmental experts, the latest Secretary General report on NDV and comprehensive consultations carried out in New York and Geneva. The establishment of this group is important to expand knowledge and expertise on NDV to both nations, nuclear and non nuclear states. We count on the commitment and support of all delegations. The second draft resolution is entitled A Nuclear Weapon Free Southern Hemisphere and Adjacent Areas presented by Brazil, New Zealand, Indonesia and South Africa and traditionally supported by numerous member states. It highlights the importance of nuclear weapon free zones to the non proliferation regime.

In particular, we support the resolutions call for nuclear weapons states to adhere to the protocols of Nuclear Weapon free Zones and to withdraw any reservations or interpretative declarations that contradict the objectives of these treaties. Mr. Chair, these days it has become very fashionable to exhort the United nations to go back to basics. In light of this, we should remind ourselves that at the time of its foundation, Disarmament was the UN's number one priority. As reflected in the very first United Nations General assembly resolution.

Avoiding relapse into large scale conflict remains the organization's primary objective. The emergence and evolution of the disarmament and non proliferation regime serve these foundational aims. Let us not forget this as we begin the 80th session of the UN General Assembly's first committee. Thank you.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [1:34:47]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Brazil. I give now the floor to Her Excellency, Permanent Representative of El salvador.


El Salvador · Permanent Representative [1:34:59]:

Thank you. Mr. Chairman, allow me to congratulate you on your election to chair the work of this committee. You and all the members of the Bureau can count on the support of the Salvadoran delegation for a successful completion of this session. Salvador acknowledges the growing complexity of the international peace and security context. We are confronting persistent to armed conflicts.

And we're seeing how global military expenditures last year reached a record of $2.7 trillion, the greatest increase since the end of the Cold War. This increase is in contrast with the inadequate resources dedicated to peace, cooperation and development. Furthermore, we are concerned that complete, verifiable and irreversible nuclear disarmament continues to be a pending matter. There are more than 12,200 nuclear warheads around the world, of which 9,500 are operational and ready to be used. In addition to the processes of modernization, integration of emerging technologies and new military doctrines all represent an existential risk for humankind.

We regret that the outcome of the last three preparatory committees of the NPT have not reflected any substantive consensuses. On the eve of the upcoming Review Conference, we urge nuclear weapons States, possessor States to fulfill their commitments to move towards nuclear disarmament in compliance with Article 6 of the treaty. El Salvador, furthermore acknowledges the value of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, an instrument that strikes strengthens the international disarmament regime and reflects the voice of states that do not possess nuclear weapons that demand a world free of nuclear weapons. We welcome the holding of the third meeting of States Parties that took place in March of this year. And we'd like to highlight the first Review Conference that will take place next year.

At the same time, we urge more states to accede without further delay to this treaty. My country also reiterates its support for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. And as we reaffirmed recently at the conference on Article 14 that took place during the High Level Week, we urged states of the Annex 2 to accelerate their ratification to ensure its entry into force that cannot be continued to be delayed or postponed. My country also defends the importance of nuclear weapons weapons free Zones as tangible contributions to peace and security inspired in the experience of the Tlateloco Treaty in Latin America and the Caribbean. With regard to other weapons of mass destruction, we wholeheartedly condemn the use of chemical and biological weapons under any circumstances.

And we'd like to highlight the need to strengthen the implementation of the Convention on Chemical Weapons, Convention on Biological weapons and resolution 1540 of the Security Council, including the prevention of access to these weapons by non state actors. We're proud that a Salvadoran expert will take part in the Secretary General's Mechanism for the Investigation of the Use of Biological Weapons. This is the first appointment of expert from our country and also represents represents Latin America and the Caribbean in this important group of experts. Mr. Chairman, El Salvador is a state party to the main international instruments on conventional weapons. As my country has stated in other relevant forums, the ecosystem of small arms and light weapons, including their munitions parts and components.

For this reason we express our support to the full implementation implementation of the Global Framework for the Management of Conventional munitions throughout their useful life, including recommendations generated in June of this year by the first meeting of states parties that will take place in 2027. In addition, we want to highlight the fact our serious concern regarding the situation of the Convention on Anti Personal Minds, in particular their retreat in efforts at universalization which affects the effective implementation of the Convention at the global level. These weapons, due to their indiscriminate character, continue to cause suffering to thousands of innocent people, in particular children in rural communities who bear the physical, social and economic scars that last generations. This is unacceptable. And with this in mind, we advocate for a world free from anti personal minds, highlighting the need to strengthen international cooperation in order to comply with our obligations under the Convention and the implementation of the SIEM REAP Plan of Action, especially in the area of assessment to victims.

Adhering and complying with this Convention is a moral imperative and a collective responsibility to make sure that there are no new victims to be added to this tragedy that could have and should have been prevented due to the existence of these weapons that are and I stress, inhumane. Inhumane. Mr. Chairman, one of the most urgent challenges confronting this Committee is the incorporation of emerging technologies in the military sphere which raise ethical, humanitarian, legal and security dilemmas. El Salvador reiterates its deep concern for regarding autonomous weapons systems, especially those that are operating operated without meaningful human control due to the grave humanitarian consequences that these they could represent for this civilian population. Together with other states from different regions, we have defended in the framework of the Convention of Certain Conventional Weapons the need to move towards a protocol that establishes clear regulations and prohibitions ensuring always to uphold international humanitarian law and human rights.

Given the work carried out in the framework of the Governmental Group of Experts on Autonomous Lethal Weapon Systems, El Salvador considers that progress can lead to negotiation on a legally binding instrument. In a broader sense regarding emerging technologies, we're also worried about the incorporation of artificial intelligence, quantum sensors and advanced algorithms and command and control system systems, nuclear communication as well as this increases the risk of errors, technical flaws and other issues that could lead to catastrophic consequences. Regard to the regard to cyberspace. El Salvador condemns the malicious use of ICTs in order to attack critical infrastructure and essential services. This puts at risk international stability and national security.

We welcome the conclusion of the open ended Working Group on the use of ICTs in the context of international security and the adoption by consensus of its final report which lays the groundwork for the future mechanism standing Mechanism at the un.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [1:42:38]:

The full statement of El Salvador will be available for consultation with all member states and and we're grateful for your work. Thank you very much. Thank the distinguished Representative of El Salvador for his statement. Give out the floor to the distinguished representative of Guatemala.


Guatemala [1:42:59]:

Gracias. Thank you, Chairman. Allow me to start by expressing our congratulations to you and the distinguished members of the Bureau on your election to conduct the work of of this First Committee. Guatemala would like to reiterate its whole herd support and readiness to constructively work to further the work of this Committee. My country reaffirms our commitment for the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons.

As we have said earlier, only the full elimination of nuclear weapons. Only through this could we lay a genuine groundwork for international peace and security. We're aware that international tensions, armed conflicts and distrust among States make the work of this Committee even more challenging. However, we also recall that it's not the first time that humankind has confronted moments of crisis. History demonstrates that in times of greater difficulties is when it's more urgent than ever to redouble our collection collective efforts to preserve the fundamental principles of multilateralism and strengthen cooperation among nations.

Mr. Chairman, the commitment of my country to nuclear disarmament can be reaffirmed by our participation as a states party in international treaties on this topic, as well as for the particular interest my country attaches to the effective implementation of these instruments. We acknowledge that Latin America and the Caribbean has not only contributed to nuclear disarmament and non proliferation, but also to international to regional peace and security through the Tlatelolco Treaty. This is why we are convinced of the importance and complementarity of legally binding instruments that prohibit the proliferation, seek the total elimination of nuclear weapons, ban nuclear tests and establish safety safeguards for peaceful uses. With regard to chemical and biological weapons. Their devastating impact affects not only humanity, but also the environment.

My delegation strongly condemns the use of these weapons independently of who, where or under which circumstances they are used. It is essential to prevent their proliferation and ensure that those who use those are brought to justice through legal and legitimate instruments established by the international community. Mr. Chairman, weapons of mass destruction represent a threat that has devastating impact for the whole world. However, they're not the only threat. We also currently are confronting very worrisome armed conflict that affect multilateral arms control and munitions regimes.

These conflicts generate more than 600 deaths per day. It's unjust that our children are growing surrounded by violence, seeing war and insecurity as inevitable elements of their environment. Our ethical and political responsibility goes beyond simply addressing challenges of the present. We have to create hope and create conditions for lasting security for future generations. Along these lines, we welcome the holding of the preparatory meeting in the run up to the first meeting of the global framework in the management of mutual conventional musicians throughout their life cycle.

And we hope that this will be a positive step for the reduction of risks regarding the management of conventional munitions at each stage of their life cycle. Mr. Chairman, it's very concerning that emerging technologies with a massive potential to promote the well being and human development are being converted into a source, source of fear due to the tremendous capacities, destructive capacities that they hold. This is a dilemma that we have to confront as an international community. Therefore, Guatemala underscores the importance of strengthening multilateral norms that regulate the development and the use of these technologies. We need to move towards international agreement, agreements that are clear with the goal of avoiding the malicious use of these technologies that profoundly affect global strategic balances.

Lastly, Mr. Chairman, today there are more than 12,000 nuclear weapons around the world, many of them in a state of maximum alert. In parallel, global military expenditures has exceeded $2.4 trillion per year. While millions of human beings still lack access to food, drinking water and basic health services. These figures are not simply statistics. They represent a reflection of our collective priority.

Each weapon that is manufactured, each test that is conducted and each resource is allocated to an arms race is a resource that is taken from sustainable development that could be dedicated to peace and dignified life for people. We recall that complete and general disarmament is not an utopic ideal, but a necessary condition for the survival of humanity. Thank you very much.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [1:48:37]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Guatemala for her statement. I give now the floor to His Excellency, the Permanent Representative of Marine.


Bahrain [1:48:53]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. It gives me great pleasure to congratulate you on assuming the Chairmanship of the First Committee. We are confident of your able leadership of the deliberations of the Committee. I wish to align myself with the statement made by Kuwait on behalf of the gcc, by the Sultanate of Oman on behalf of the Arab Group and by Indonesia on behalf of NAM.

Mr. Chair, we commend the important role of the Committee on Disarmament and International Security as it pursues its efforts to ensure WMD disarmament and non proliferation so as to contribute to the promotion of international peace and security. The Kingdom reiterates the need to pursue such efforts amid current mounting conflicts and crises, as well as the persistent existence of WMDs, including nuclear weapons, which pose a threat to global security and stability. The Kingdom of Bahrain underlines its commitment to pursuing global nuclear disarmament efforts based on our steadfast policy to support and galvanize cooperation, to prohibit all WMDs and their delivery vehicles to ensure the non proliferation through implementation of international conventions and treaties as well as their national application. This pertains to the Non Proliferation Treaty as well as its Protocol on Nuclear safety and security.

Mr. Chair, we reiterate the right of all states to peacefully use nuclear technology, namely an health, education, the environment and clean energy. This contributes to the achievement of the SDGs. We also support the role of international organizations, including the IAEA in assisting countries in information exchange and national upskilling to ensure the strengthening of our expertise in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. We wish to reiterate that the Kingdom of Bahrain had signed with The IAEA in 2023 the second iteration of our country program for the period 20242029 which identifies the priority of the Kingdom and the peaceful uses of nuclear technology and science.

This reflects our steadfast commitment to the employment of such technology for sustainability, sustainable development and the promotion of nuclear security. We reiterate our commitment to international conventions which we've ratified, namely the Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as well as the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological Weapons Convention.

Mr. Chair, the kingdom of Bahrain reiterates its support to establishing a WNB and Nuclear Weapons Free Zone in the Middle east in full implementation of the resolution of the NPT review conference of 1995 and in this regard we look forward to contributing to the sixth session of the Conference to be held in the coming month of November under the Chairmanship of the sisterly Kingdom of Morocco in full implementation of GA or the relevant GA Resolution. We reiterate the call by the Ministry of Foreign affairs for the general debate of the session, namely on the importance of resuming negotiations between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran to pave the way for a comprehensive solution to the Iranian nuclear file so as to promote international peace and security. Mr. Chair, we've been witnessing rapid developments in ICT and their impact on international security.

We reiterate our keenness on employing modern technology for peaceful purposes and to strengthen technological innovation. We reiterate the need to strengthen international cooperation to address challenges ensuing from the use of such technology.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Prime Minister May God keep him, reiterated during the general debate of the 1789th session of the General assembly the need to adopt an international convention on AI governance and regulation so as to ensure that such technology contributes to international peace and security. The Kingdom of Bahrain underlines the importance of international cooperation and modern military technology, namely on the use of UAVs to prevent that they fall in the hands of terrorist groups and that they are misused in malicious acts which constitute a threat to international and regional peace and security. The Kingdom underlines the importance of the GGE reports as well as the role of the open ended working group to pave the way for an international consensus on most important cybersecurity issues. We consider that cyber birth security is a cornerstone for our national security. Mr.

Chair, we reiterate our steadfast commitment to the peaceful use of outer space. And we've made strides in the past decade in this field since the establishment of the National Bahrain Space Agency, which is now a model of excellence in the employment of technology or of space, space, technology and science for sustainable development. And we've developed more than 25 space applications supporting more than 30 national programs for environmental monitoring, disaster management, urbanization, the protection of resources and climate security. We've also increased our satellite related research by 42%. We've witnessed further international and regional cooperation through our participation in United nations initiatives such as Space for Water as well as Space for Sustainable Development in cooperation with the UAE as well as the uk.

We reiterate that such achievements highlight our vision to use outer space as a tool for development, peace and international cooperation. In conclusion, we reiterate the need to pursue international cooperation amongst Member States and with United nations agencies on all issues pertaining to disarmament to support efforts to safeguard international peace and security. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I thank the distinguished representative of Bahrain.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [1:56:25]:

And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Chile.


Chile [1:56:31]:

Mucha Gracia. Thank you. Chairman. I want to congratulate you and members of the Bureau on your election to lead this committee. We trust that the tasks you've been entrusted will be completed successfully.

To start, I want to recall a number of babies basic positions of my country on these topics. Chile reaffirms its commitment to general and complete disarmament as well as nuclear non proliferation. Also, we reiterate our absolute condemnation of the use of chemical and biological weapons under any circumstances and promote the universal adherence to the Convention on Chemical Weapons. Likewise, we acknowledge that the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons is a disaster with devastating and devastating effects on the development of nations. Along these lines, in our foreign policy, we'd like to reiterate the importance of indicators in programs on disarmament and security.

Gender equality is not only an imperative of justice, but also a key factor to achieve sustainable solutions in the area of international peace and security.

Mr. Chairman, each one of these convictions and commitments is based Chile's commitment to the indivisibility of international security. That is, all states, independent of their power, have a shared responsibility to contribute to the consolidation of an international order based on co cooperation and regulated by norms. With regard to the nuclear sphere, our historic position has been expressed regionally through the Tlatelolco Treaty, which was established in 1967 and established the first nuclear weapons free zone in a densely populated area in Latin America and the Caribbean. In line with this trajectory, Chile has presented its candidature to assume the General Secretariat of the Organization OPANAL with the aim of continuing to strengthen the role of this important regional instrument. In line with what I've just said, we'd like to reiterate our rejection of the doctrine of nuclear deterrence, which is incompatible with the npt.

For Chile, the NPT is the cornerstone of the disarmament regime seeking two to achieve its universalization and strengthening its three pillars disarmament, non proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. We are certain that the work under NPT are cumulative and commitments undertaken are fully valid and are politically binding for all member states. The next review conference of 2026 should lead to all our efforts being focused on not repeating the failures of the previous documents and achieving a consensus document. Otherwise, it will undermine the credibility of the treaty.

Acknowledging the preeminence of the npt, we urge you that it's important to negotiate on a successive agreement to the new START Treaty. It's essential that the limits established by the treaty be fulfilled in order to preserve its achievements before its expiration and to make additional advances in the reduction of nuclear arsenals. For its part, we urge all states to accelerate the ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, which is essential to strengthen the disarmament machinery. We make an appeal to redouble diplomatic efforts to achieve this goal, especially especially among countries of Annex 2. Mr. Chairman, we'd like to highlight the efforts undertaken in the framework of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and to highlight the decisive commitment of all states that have acceded to this treaty.

We welcome the holding of its third Conference of States Parties in 2025. And welcome. We welcome the first review conference that will be held at the end of 2026. We believe that this treaty is an essential element of efforts to achieve the full elimination of nuclear weapons. Without prejudging what I've just said, I would urge states that are not parties to the treaty to sign it and ratify it.

To live in a world free of nuclear weapons is a benefit for all of humankind. We Only hope that when this conviction is shared by everyone, that will be shared by everyone before we have to suffer the devastating consequence of the use of nuclear weapons. My country particularly values the results achieved by the open ended Working Group on advances in information and Communication Technology in the context of intelligence Security in particular would like to congratulate the adoption by consensus of a final document that will set the basis for a treaty on cybersecurity. This we'd like to. This document expresses the commitment of those states parties to an open and constructive dialogue.

Chile believes that it's very important to promote cooperation in the area of cyber security. Lastly, we'd like to emphasize that the threat the use of weapons of mass destruction is a violation of the UN Charter and international law. Eighty years after its foundation, which took place after the disaster of two world wars, all states present here have a duty to fulfill the obligations that we assumed in joining this organization. Only in this way will we combat those who want to undermine the legitimacy and the credibility of the United Nations. Defending the multilateral order depends on all of us.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [2:02:52]:

An order that took so much effort to build. Thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of Chile and give now the floor to His Excellency, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the Command Conference of Disarmament.


United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland · Permanent Representative to CD [2:03:10]:

Thank you. Chair on January 24th we will mark 80 years since the first ever Unger resolution was adopted. Resolution 1 1, adopted in the Methodist Central hall in London established the United Nations Atomic Energy Commission to address the issues raised by atomic energy. Issues that remain at the heart of our debate. Today we join those celebrating this remarkable institution's proud 80 years and all it has achieved.

We also mark a more difficult anniversary this week. Two years since the horrific acts by Hamas. The UK welcomes the news that a deal has been reached on President Trump's peace plan for Gaza. We are grateful for the tireless diplomatic efforts of Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and the United States. We call on all parties to meet the commitments they have made to end the war and to build the foundations for a just and lasting end to the conflict and a sustainable path to a long term peace.

Peace chair as the UK's deputy prime minister said last month, as we reaffirm our historic commitment to the United nations, so too must we face the challenges of the present and in particular the threats to the arms control, non proliferation and disarmament enterprise. Russia continues to wage war against Ukraine. This last weekend Russia fired more than 50 missiles and an estimated 500 drones at targets across Ukraine, resulting in yet more civilian casualties. Last month we witnessed an egregious violation of Polish and NATO airspace by Russian drones. Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine must end.

We must stand together in defence of the core values of the UN Charter. Sovereignty, territorial integrity and respect for international law. Our message to Ukraine is clear. We will stand with you for as long as it takes. Mr.

Chair. The E3 triggered the snapback mechanism on 28th of August this year because of Iran's persistent and significant non performance of its JCPOA commitments. We urge Iran and all states to abide fully by the UNSC resolutions reinstated on the 27th of September. We will continue to work with all parties towards a new diplomatic solution to ensure Iran never gets a nuclear weapon. The DPRK continues its unlawful pursuit of weapons of mass destruction, conducting multiple missile tests, putting neighbouring countries at risk and supplying weapons and troops to support Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Mr. Chair, this is the reality of the challenges we face today. We are witnessing more conflicts across the globe than we have seen since the end of the Second World War. Russia's actions undermine the institutions and values that we have collectively worked for 80 years to build and preserve. Iran and DPRK continue to defy the global non proliferation regime.

That is why we must redouble our efforts to defend and strengthen the international arms control framework. When we work together, when we listen, when we identify shared interest and common ground, we can make progress. Over the past 12 months the group of Government experts on laws has continued to advance its rolling text driving further convergence on a set of elements of a possible future instrument. The open ended Working Group on PAROS in all its aspects started to work on substance. Its inclusive format and extended timeline offer a real opportunity to build convergence.

The Arms Trade Treaty, a core part of our collective effort to combat terrorism and crime and reduce human suffering, agreed to develop a five year strategy aimed at strengthening implementation. The UK was pleased to have played our part in delivering these steps. Forward. Forward. We thank Ambassadors Inden, Bosch and Forradori for their continued leadership and we urge all UN member states to build on this momentum.

Mr. Chair, the first Committee is a vital part of the international arms control and assignment architecture. In the context of UN80, we must reflect honestly on the need to improve the Committee's work and to deliver greater efficiencies. As we embark on this year's session, let us engage in our work in a spirit of renewal. Let us embrace the opportunity to bring greater effectiveness, efficiency and coherence in the delivery of our objectives of peace and security.

Thank you.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [2:08:36]:

I thank the distinguished representative of United Kingdom for his statement. I give now the floor to His Excellency, Permanent representative of Armenia.


Armenia · Permanent Representative [2:08:49]:

Mr. Chair, congratulations to you and the members of the Bureau for taking on the leadership of the First Committee. The global security architecture continues to be increasingly affected by strategic instability, the weakening of arms control mechanisms, rising military spending and the militarization of of emerging domains. A robust and effective conventional arms control regime alongside confidence and security building measures is essential for maintaining peace at the international and regional levels. Building on this significant breakthrough achieved on August 8th in Washington D.C. i mean signing of the declaration between Armenia and Azerbaijan witnessed by the US President who have gained renewed confidence that a new chapter of peace, stability and regional cooperation is opening in South Caucasus.

We believe the current environment is highly conducive to advancing confidence building measures between Armenia and Azerbaijan which will serve as an important mechanism for strengthening peace in our region. Mr. Chair, disarmament and non proliferation are among the top priorities for Armenia's foreign policy agenda. Armenia attaches great importance to the maintenance of of the efficiency of the existing arm reductions and disarmament regimes. We stress the importance of the universality of CWC, BWC 1925, Geneva Protocol, MPT and IAEA safeguard regime.

Armenia remains firmly committed to fulfilling its obligations under the Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and reiterates its firm support for the full, complete and effective implementation of the npt. We opted for a transparent and open policy for safe and peaceful uses of nuclear energy and will continue to pursue this policy further, strengthening and undertaking necessary measures to enhance and maintain nuclear safety. Armenia appreciates the important role of the cooperation with IAEA through its Safeguards Agreements and Additional Procedures Protocol as well as its Technical Assistance Program. Over the past 30 years, our country has enjoyed growing partnership with the IAEA in all its pillars. The safe and secure operation of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plan is a strategic priority for the Government of Armenia.

Thanks to the international cooperation, the Armenian Nuclear Power Plan has been implementing a number of projects for the enhancement of nuclear security at the facility level in line with the relevant recommendations of the IAEA. Mr. Chair, there are necessary steps that must be taken to further advance disarmament efforts and among them is the early entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Armenia views it as one of the key elements of the nuclear non proliferation regime and a strong tool for constraining nuclear weaponry. In light of the challenging global security environment, we extend our call upon all Annex 2 states that have not yet done so to sign and ratify the treaty at the earliest opportunity.

It is our firm belief that the credibility and effectiveness of the international non proliferation regime cannot be fully insured without CTBT's entry into force. As a strong supporter of non proliferation, Armenia is committed to the full implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention. We continuously strengthen our national capacities in biological safety and at the multilateral level we contribute to initiatives aimed at enhancing the Convention's mechanism, including investigating the misuse of biological agents and addressing potential infectious disease outbreaks. Armenia unequivocally condemns the use of chemical weapons and emphasizes the OPCW's vital role in advancing the Chemical Weapons Convention. As a subscribing state to the Code of Conduct Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation, Armenia values its role in curbing ballistic missile proliferation and promoting international peace and security, consistently submitting timely annual declarations to uphold the Court's principles of transparency and confidence building.

Mr. Chair, Armenia reiterates its strong dedication to global efforts in disarmament nor proliferation and armed control. I thank you.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [2:13:22]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Armenia and give now the floor to the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe.


Zimbabwe [2:13:33]:

Thank you. Chair I wish first to congratulate you, Ambassador Mozari Masari and your Bureau on your election to lead the 80th session of the first committee. Zimbabwe pledges its full support for your work. Zimbabwe aligns itself with the statements of the Non Aligned Movement and the African Group and will deliver further remarks in its national capacity. Chair this session is historic, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Charter, a charter born from the devastation of two world wars and the existential dangers ushered in by weapons of mass destruction.

It is fitting to recall that the very first resolution adopted by this assembly on 24 January 1946 stressed the imperative of controlling atomic energy to ensure its use solely for peaceful purposes and of eliminating all major weapons of mass destruction.

Later the First Session the first special session of the General assembly devoted to disarmament in 1978 observed rightly that the accumulation of such weapons constitutes much more a threat than a protection for the future of humankind. Crucially, the General assembly devoted to disarmament also underscored that the decisive factor in achieving disarmament remains the political will of states, especially those that possess such weapons. Chair Zimbabwe therefore implores all members to demonstrate the political will that has been absent for too long and to take concrete steps towards the general and complete disarmament envisioned at the founding of our United Nations. As we join calls for the early convening of a fourth special session on disarmament we reiterate that both qualitative and quantitative measures are essential to ending the arms race. Above all, scientific and technological adv.

Achievements must be harnessed exclusively for peaceful purposes. We also call for renewed urgency and vigour in negotiations on nuclear disarmament. Disarmament that is verifiable, legally binding, universal and permanent. The international community cannot afford Another failed NPT review conference in 2026. Distinguished delegates.

The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons continues to fuel conflict and armed violence across the globe. Zimbabwe urges the full and effective implementation of the United Nations Program of Action, the International Tracing Instrument and the Global Framework for through life Conventional Ammunition Management. We welcome the consensus adoption of the final report of the open ended working group on ICT 2021-2025 and the establishment of the Global Mechanism. It is now vital that member states sustain collaboration to mitigate risks in the international ICT domain. At the same time, we cannot ignore the alarming intersection of artificial intelligence and weapon systems.

Decisions over life and death may must never be delegated to machines or algorithms. Such a course would gravely violate international humanitarian law. Zimbabwe therefore calls for urgent negotiations towards an international legally binding treaty regulating lethal autonomous weapon systems. Chair Zimbabwe reiterates that outer space must remain the province of peace devoted exclusively to the common benefit of mankind, of humankind. The placement of weapons in outer space constitutes a direct violation of this principle and poses a grave threat to humanity's shared future.

We further call for the strengthening of training and capacity building programs on disarmament bilaterally and through the UN disarmament machinery to ensure the meaningful participation of all delegations, large and small alike. In conclusion, allow me once again to assure you of Zimbabwe's constructive engagement in this session. We wish you and your bureau every success as you steer our collective efforts forward. I thank you.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [2:18:23]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe. I give now the floor to Her Excellency, Permanent Representative of Belize, on behalf of Cacicom. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have the honor to deliver the statement on behalf of the 14 member states of the Caribbean Community, CARICOM and all disarmament and international security agenda items.


Belize · CARICOM · Permanent Representative [2:18:47]:

Allow me to congratulate you and your bureau on your election and to offer you our full support. Chair. As we convene today to deliberate on international peace and security, it is crucial to begin by confronting the stark reality. The world remains under multiple overlapping threats posed by weapons of mass destruction, by rapidly evolving conventional arms and by emerging technologies that could destabilize security in unforeseen ways. Against this sobering backdrop, it is important to recall that we have now passed the midpoint of the 2030 Agenda.

Yet the persistence of armed conflict, spread of weapons and a destabilizing influence of insecurity continue to reverse hard won gains and stall progress across many of the SDGs. For Caricom, advancing international peace and security is not only a question of disarmament and non proliferation, but also of creating the conditions of sustainable growth, resilience and and equality. CARICOM therefore takes this opportunity to reaffirm the importance of our region to our region of the 2030 Agenda and to the contribution that this Committee can make not only to the realization of target 16.4 but equally to target 5.2 which calls for the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls. Chair the prevalence of gun related fatalities due to to the proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition, illicit drugs, money laundering, cybercrime and other dimensions of transboundary criminal activities pose the most significant threats to the security of caricom. However, we are doing our part, the implementing agency on strategies related to crime and Security, CARICOM impacts, continues to tackle the multidimensional nature of crime and security.

In keeping with the CARICOM crime and Security Strategy, CARICOM IMPACTS has embarked on a number of initiatives and partnerships to track the proceeds of crime. CARICOM underscores the critical importance of the Program of Action on Small arms and light weapons and welcomes the significant outcomes of the 2024 Fourth Review Conference, which provided a vital opportunity to take stock, reinforce commitments and chart a more ambitious and coordinated path forward in addressing illicit armed flows. The proliferation of small arms and light weapons continues to inflict a severe and disproportionate toll across the Caricom region. Fuel in gang violence, organized crime and drug related offences while undermining public security, development and the rule of law. These challenges threaten the stability of our societies and the safety of our communities, demanding urgent collective and sustained action.

CARICOM also welcomes the outcome of the 2025 preparatory meeting of States on the Global Framework for Through Life Conventional Ammunition Management, which underscored concrete measures to strengthen national and regional capacities, enhance stockpile security and reduce the diversion of ammunition. This framework represents a critical practical tool to assist States in mitigating the risks posed by ammunition proliferation. CARICOM reaffirms the importance of the Arms Trade Treaty as a key instrument for regulating the international trade in conventional arms, preventing their diversion to illicit markets and reducing the harm caused by unregulated flows. The att, together with the Program of Action and the Global framework provides an integrated approach to address both the supply and the life cycle management of conventional weapons. CARICOM encourages states to fully implement these instruments, ensuring that international norms and standards are upheld and that regional and global security are strengthened.

Chair earlier this year, caricom's member state, Trinidad and Tobago hosted the Small Arms and Light Weapons Fellowship Training which brought together practitioners from across the region to build technical expertise, exchange lessons learned and enhance regional cooperation in tackling small arms and light weapons. Such initiatives demonstrate the importance of capacity building, knowledge sharing and sustained collaboration to ensure that commitments made in the international fora translate into tangible and meaningful outcomes for states and communities. Chair Nuclear weapons continue to cast a long shadow over humanity, with arsenals being modernized and proliferation risks growing, even as the international community reaffirms its determination to achieve the total elimination of these weapons. The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, the recent Conference on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, both remind us that the path to nuclear disarmament is unfinished and requires renewed resolve. CARICOM underscores the centrality of the Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as a cornerstone of the global nuclear disarmament and non proliferation regime.

As we now turn our attention to the 11th NPT Review Conference to be held in 2026, let us use that occasion to deliver tangible progress in advancing all three pillars of the treaty equally. CARICOM reaffirms its support for the Treaty on the Prohibition of nuclear weapons. The first review conference to be held in 2026 offers another crucial opportunity to strengthen norms against these weapons and to accelerate the momentum toward their elimination. Chair Our region brings to these processes a unique voice and a proud legacy. Through the Treaty of Tatalolco, the Caribbean and Latin America established the world's first nuclear weapon free zone in a densely populated area, demonstrating that security is best assured not by nuclear deterrence, but by collective commitment to peace and disarmament.

That legacy continues to guide caricom's engagement today as we work with partners to ensure that the total elimination of nuclear weapons remains at the heart of the international agenda. For Caricom, 2026 will therefore be a pivotal year for nuclear disarmament diplomacy. We look ahead to these two major Review Conference as moments to transfer translate political will into practical steps towards the shared goal of a world free of nuclear weapons. Chaired the threat of chemical and biological weapons continues to cast a shadow over international peace and security. CARICOM remains deeply concerned about the potential of these inhumane weapons to inflict indiscriminate suffering and destabilize international order.

Our region, small in geography but steadfast in principle, reiterates that the prohibition against such weapons must remain absolute. We therefore call for the full, effective and non discriminatory implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological Weapons Convention. At this critical juncture, States must not only prevent erosion of those regimes but work collectively to strengthen their universality, ensure effective verification and close the gaps that could allow for non compliance. CARICOM reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the international norm that chemical and biological weapons are unacceptable under any circumstances. Chair CARICOM strongly supports international efforts to establish norms and a legally binding instrument on autonomous weapon systems.

We recall the 2023 CARICOM Declaration on Lethal Autonomous Weapons System in which our region reaffirmed or affirmed the imperative that such weapons remain under meaningful human control and operate fully in accordance with international human humanitarian law. Chair CARICOM notes with concern that States are expanding the use of artificial intelligence in their armed forces and are increasingly developing and deploying AI technologies for military purposes, including in weapon systems and decision support platforms. In the absence of specific international legal regulations on the use of AI in the military domain. These practices span in research, development, training and operational deployment are already shaping emerging norms on the use of force for small states which rely heavily on the strength of international law and multilateralism. It is imperative that such technologies evolve within a clear rules based framework to prevent the erosion of legal and ethical standards that underpin global peace and security.

In this regard, CARICOM welcomes the adoption of of the first committee resolution in 2024 on AI in the military domain. Chair CARICOM IMPACTS has been advancing the implementation of the CARICOM Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Action Plan which has been updated to include new provisions on AI alongside a strengthened monitoring and evaluation framework. The updated plan would be overseen by CARICOM IMPACT Cyber Fusion Unit. This Unit is already providing vital cyber threat intelligence, technical assistance and capacity building support to Member States. Chair CARICOM recognizes the critical role of women in promoting peace, security and disarmament.

Women are disproportionately affected by armed violence and armed conflict, yet they are often underrepresented in decision making processes. Our region reaffirms the importance of the women peace and security agenda, including the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325 and subsequent resolutions, as well as the integration of gender perspectives in all disarmament, arms control and security framework. CARICOM is committed to ensuring that women's meaningful participation and leadership are central to regional and international efforts to prevent conflict, conflict, reduce armed violence and promote sustainable peace. CHAIR in conclusion, CARICOM stands ready to work with all states, international partners and civil society to translate commitments into tangible outcomes to protect our communities and to build a safer, more secure and more peaceful world for present and future generations. I thank you.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [2:29:41]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Belize on behalf of CARICOM for her statement. I shall now call on delegations who have requested the right of reply. May I remind members that statements in the exercise of the right of reply are limited to four and a half minutes for the first intervention and two and a half minutes for the second intervention. I call on the representative of the Russian Federation to take the floor, please.


Russian Federation [2:30:18]:

The Russian Federation categorically rejects the falsehoods divorced from reality of a group of Western states about the situation in Ukraine. The impression is that their position is based on the fact that the active role of the Western capitals in stoking the conflict over the past 10 decade has been forgotten by everyone. Well, I want to thank them for the opportunity to tell you about the real reasons of the conflict. The key reason was their violation of their principle of single and indivisible security. The euphoria and unbridled thirst for vengeance of those who considered themselves the victors of the Cold War led to the attempt to impose unilateral subject notions of security.

At the same time, these countries greenlit for themselves their right to trample international law and replace them with rules. And this recklessness was the source of the Ukrainian tragedy. These countries that are trying to use the First Committee for their propaganda campaigns for decades actively hindered our efforts to find a political diplomatic solution which would have made it possible to ensure the security of both Russia and Ukraine. The European Party of War consistently sabotaged the agreement of February 2014, the Minsk agreements and the Istanbul negotiating process. The truth is that those who encouraged, abetted and armed Ukraine, who tried to sic it against Russia and for decades promoted rabid nationalism, is completely uninterested in the fate of the Ukrainian people who are just an expendable resource.

European external policy became a policy of monologue which led to pointless adventurism. And it cannot find practical solutions to any of the problems created by it, which is confirmed by their statements at this General Assembly. In spite of everything I've just said, the Russian Federation has continued with its efforts to find a political diplomatic solution. Our position has not changed. The possible solution must be a stable and long term.

It should deal with all the root causes of the crisis which we have mentioned many times at different levels, ensure that all legitimate concerns of Russia are taken into account to restore a balance in the area of security in Europe and in the world as a whole. We're also ready. Well, at the same time, we cannot fail to mention the fact that the European Party of War has completely rejected the very prospects of resolving the Ukrainian crisis which took form following the Russian American summit in Alaska. This all corresponds to Brussels policy of fighting with Russia. To the last Ukrainian we call on European colleagues to acknowledge the destructive consequences of their actions and to stop hindering efforts of Russia, Russia and the United States to find a solution to the dead end that they created themselves.

Thank you.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [2:33:23]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Russian Federation for this statement. I call on the representative of dprk. Second floor, please.


Democratic People's Republic of Korea [2:33:35]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair, for giving me the floor. My delegation is taking the floor in response to the illogical arguments of of the allegations made on the DPRK's nuclear weapons and defensive measures. First, the argument of the United States and the United kingdom that the DPRK's nuclear weapons are illegal or unlawful is wrong. DPRK totally and categorically rejects the anti DPRK UNSCC resolutions ever and forever which were fabricated by us in pursuit of depriving the DPRK of its right of resistance, development and defense of itself.

It is the US who has first introduced the nuclear weapons into the Korean Peninsula in 1950s. SDL continues the nuclear threats against the DPRK, putting the DPRK on its list of preemptive nuclear strikes. Strike. It is highly legal and as a matter of course for the DPRK to respond reflexively to the nuclear threats of the US to safeguard its national security interests and nuclear weapons are as alike as true peace. If the PRK nuke is illegal, then the US or the UK's nuke is also illegal.

It is not right. Just feel indication that the US or UK possession of nuclear weapons is legal because they detonated first. It is such a wrong logic that if married first can be an elder sister which even a child can hardly accept. Second, the argument that the DPRK's nuclear weapons are the threats to the peace and security which were made by those delegations like Portugal and Estonia is wrong. Merely possession of nuclear weapons should not be regarded as the threats to the peace and security.

And if so, the greatest violator of peace and security should be the US who has the longest history of the nuclear possession in the world and whose nuclear weapons those member states have been heavily relying on DPRK's possession of nuclear weapons is the legal outcome of the exercise of its of its sovereign rights to defend itself. But the security mode of those member States is illegal because they are under the umbrella of illegal nuclear sharing and extended deterrence of us. Therefore, my delegation totally and categorically rejects those allegations made by those delegations. And those member states can count on DPRK more than 100% that DPRK will never abandon but continue to improve the reliability of its nuclear deterrence which is the cornerstone of its national independence and sovereignty, freedom and happiness of its people. The nuclearization of DPRK has lost its meaning and has gone forever.

Mr. Chair. My delegation again rejects those slanders against the legal cooperation between DPRK and Russian Federation. DPRK armed forces have participated in the Gruzk liberation operation and made a meaningful contribution to the annihilation of Neonatis and liberation of the territory of Russian Federation. Our participation has been just, legal and falls into the jurisdiction of our sovereign rights.

We do what we need and we do what we say. DPRK and Russian Federation has been standing on the side of justice and will in the future represent the aspiration and demand of the world community by means of resolute struggles for the equality and justice and against the supremacy. I thank you, Mr. Chair.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [2:37:39]:

I thank the representative of DPRK for his.

I call on the representative of China to take the floor, please.


China [2:37:58]:

Mr. Chair. During the general debate throughout this week, including today, some delegations, driven by their various motives, deliberately misrepresented and criticized China. China's nuclear strategy and policy. China categorically rejects those acquisitions.

A certain country fails to engage in. Self reflection and instead has chosen to point fingers at China in an attempt to divert international attention. That country seems to have conveniently forgotten. That it possesses the world's largest nuclear. Arsenal, invests trillions of dollars annually to upgrade its nuclear triad and develop new types of nuclear weapons and lower the threshold for the use of the nuclear weapons.

That country seems to have forgotten its long streak of miserable record of undermining the international arms control system, withdrawing from. Legal instruments such as the ABM and. INF treaties and delaying negotiations to extend the New START treaty. That country seems to have forgotten that. It has deployed nuclear weapons abroad, resumed.

Nuclear deployments in certain European countries, strengthened extended deterrence and attempted to replicate nuclear. Sharing arrangements in the Asia Pacific region. It has engaged in nuclear submarine cooperation involving the transfer of weapons grade nuclear materials to a non nuclear weapons state, continue to advance the global missile defense. System and engage in advanced deployment of. Land based intermediate range missiles in the Egypt region, undermining regional and global strategic balance stability.

As of today, that same country is yet to remain ratified protocols of Nuclear Weapons Free Zones Claims about China's rapid. Opaque expansion of its nuclear arsenal and. Refusal to engage in arms control dialogue are completely unfounded. China's nuclear policy and intention are crystal. Clear and highly stable, consistent and predictable.

China is the only nuclear weapon state. That upholds the policy of the no first use. China advocates that nuclear weapons must not be used and nuclear war must never be fought. China pursues a policy of unconditional negative security assurances. China does not participate in arms race.

Of any form and remains willing to. Engage in dialogues on strategic risk reduction. No peace loving country will be threatened. By China's nuclear weapons. Any country that does not use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against China.

Would not be threatened by China's nuclear weapons. At the same time, China will resolutely. Safeguard its national sovereignty, security and development. Interests and no one should harbor any illusions about this. Certain non nuclear weapon states under NATO's nuclear sharing arrangements are not in any.

Position to criticize China's nuclear policy. Those countries should clarify how many US. Nuclear weapons are deployed on their territories. How many nuclear weapon delivery systems they have acquired and what role they intend to play in the event of a. Nuclear war launched by a certain country.

Some countries attempted to shift blames to China regarding the Ukraine issue and spread false narratives for which China registered its. Firm rejection as a responsible major country. China has always upheld an objective and impartial position, consistently promoted dialogue for peace. And advocated for comprehensive resolution of the Ukraine issue through negotiation and consultation. Certain countries and regional organizations, while providing.

Large scale assistance to Ukraine, unjustifiably vilify China for its normal economic and treatise with Russia. China rejects those accusations. Thank you Chair.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [2:41:38]:

I thank the representative of China for his intervention. I call on the representative of Israel to take the floor.


Israel [2:41:51]:

Thank you Mr. Chair. My delegation wishes to comment on statements made by some delegations regarding the situation in the Middle east as well as to the recent developments in the area. As we stated earlier this week, there's only one desired solution to the situation in Gaza. This solution was materialized by the plan put forward by President Trump and supported by many nations from around the world.

Chair Since Hamas already terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, Israel has been committed to its declared objectives, namely the release of all host suggested dismantling of Hamas government and military capabilities and the security of Israel. These objectives were fully incorporated into the Trump plan which is happily about to be implemented in subsequent stages. Following the release of the hostages, Hamas will not govern Gaza. Hamas will be disarmed. Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel.

Through steadfast resolved military action and the great efforts of our friend and ally President Trump, we have reached this critical turning point. We thank again President Trump for the plan and for his support to Israel and its security.

We regret the statements by some delegations raising outrageous accusations that are completely disconnected from reality and show a deep misunderstanding of the complexity of the matter, a disinformation. As for the Israeli humanitarian efforts under incredibly complex circumstances and disregard to the underlying strategic threats in the Middle East. Political gestures aimed to domestic voting audience only harm the Middle east and are not helpful. We hope that the implementation of this plan will open the door to for further advancements towards a more secure and prosperous Middle East. I thank you Chair.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [2:44:04]:

I thank the representative of Israel for his intervention. I call on the representative of Islamic Republic of Iran to take the floor.


Iran (Islamic Republic of) [2:44:16]:

Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair. While firmly rejecting and condemning the baseless and deliberately misleading allegations leveled against Iran's peaceful nuclear facile program by certain Western countries, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany and others, my delegation wishes to state the following.

First, as the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran unequivocally declared at the high level session of the General assembly three weeks ago, Iran's nuclear program has always been, is and will remain exclusively peaceful. This is not a matter of rhetoric. It is a matter of fact and of record. The peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear activities has been consistently and repeatedly verified and confirmed by the IAEA, which has conducted the most intensive inspection regiment ever carried out in any country. Second, despite this overwhelming evidence, certain Western countries deliberately choose to ignore the truth and fabricate lies against Iran's nuclear program.

Their objective is crystal clear. Their concern is not the peaceful nature of Iran's program because if that were their real concern, it would be easily addressed just as it was through the jcpoa. Iran demonstrated its good faith then and even recently engaged in serious negotiations with the United States, mediated by Oman, to reach a similar understanding. In addressing the US Representative at this meeting, I must say that Iran and indeed the entire world came to understand the true meaning of the United States so called good faith in negotiations, when in the midst of diplomatic talks and merely two days before the sixth round, the Israeli regime, with the full backing of the United States, launched a war of aggression against Iran. This was followed by the US itself joining in an unlawful and deliberate attack on Iran's peace, peaceful nuclear facilities in blatant violation of international law and the spirit of diplomacy.

Third, let us be clear. The true intention of these Western countries is to deprive an NPT member state of its inalienable right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. They hide this malicious agenda behind misleading and empty slogans such as Iran should never have nuclear weapons, but their action exposed their Hypocrisy. Undermining Article 4 of the NPT weakens the treaty itself and undermines the entire disarmament and non proliferation regime. Those who claim to defend the NPT are in fact undermining its very foundation.

Fourth, their bad faith is evident in their systematic disregard for ignorance. Iran's effort to build trust and resolve this issue through diplomacy. Iran signed the JCPOA in good faith. The United States killed it by its unlawful withdrawal in 2018 and the Europeans buried it through their illegal invocation of the snapback mechanism. Even after the recent agreement between Iran and the IAEA in Cairo which despite the illegal attacks by by Israeli regime and the US Western countries choose to ignore diplomacy and reward aggression.

Fifth, their claims of commitment to diplomacy and the rule of law are hollow and deceptive. Their real agenda was made evident in their shameful silence on the Israeli regime's act of aggression against Iran, including attacks on the safeguarded and inspected peaceful nuclear facilities. Instead of condemning these violations, they encouraged and defended them. The world will not forget the outrageous statement by the German Chancellor who openly admitted, and I quote, Israel is doing the dirty work for us. This is not diplomacy.

This is weaponization of double standards. I thank you, Mr. Chair.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [2:48:39]:

I thank the representative of Iran for his intervention and the call on the representative representative of Sweden to take the floor. Thank you, Chair.


Sweden [2:48:49]:

I would like to exercise my right to reply in response to the Russian Federation. Sweden rejects the Russian statement in its entirety. It is a distorted way of presenting reality as well as historical facts, events and sequences. Two points of clarification. NATO does not recruit members.

Countries join NATO on their free will. Secondly, there is no European war in Ukraine. Europe does not wage a war in Ukraine. Russia does at the expense of peace and security in Europe and globally. Thank you.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [2:49:36]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Sweden for his intervention. And I call on the representative of Iran for the second intervention.


Iran (Islamic Republic of) [2:49:50]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. In response to unfounded allegations by certain Western countries accusing Iran of involvement in the Ukraine conflict, I reaffirm that the Islamic Republic of Iran has maintained a consistent stance of impartiality since the very beginning of this conflict, a principled position that remains unwavering. Iran has persistently called for peace and immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine and continues to advocate for a peaceful resolution. Our offer to engage with Ukraine at the expert level to clarify any misunderstanding remains open.

It is deeply hypocritical that these same Western countries which openly supply the Israeli regime with a wide range of weapons fueling its genocidal war in Gaza over the past two years now level baseless accusations against Iran regarding Ukraine conflict. Such double standards only serve to obscure the truth and hinder genuine efforts for peace. I thank you, Mr. Chair. I thank the representative of Iran for his second intervention.


1st Committee · Chair · Maurizio Massari [2:51:02]:

Distinguished delegates, we have exhausted the time available for this meeting. The next meeting of the committee will be held Monday afternoon at 3pm sharp in this conference room. I appeal to all delegations to be punctual to enable us to proceed with our work in a timely manner. The meeting is adjourned.